TV Premieres and Finales airing Oct. 11-17, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Oct. 11-17.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Girls Next Door,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on E! (sixth-season premiere).
••“Leave it to Lamas,” 10 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“The Newlywed Game,” 5 p.m. Monday on GSN (second-season premiere).
••“Catch 21,” 5:30 p.m. Monday on GSN (third-season premiere).
••“Little People, Big World,” 7 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth-season premiere).
••“Gone Too Far,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere.
••“Million Dollar Listing,” 10 p.m. Monday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“Frontline,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on OETA-13 (28th-season premiere).
••“Nature, Inc.,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••“Mary Queen of Shops,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Nip/Tuck,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on FX (sixth-season premiere).
••“30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Bartender Wars,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on Fine Living Network (series premiere).
••“Live at Gotham,” 10 p.m. Friday on Comedy Central (fourth-season premiere).
••“Head Games,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Science Channel (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (first-season finale).
••“Army Wives,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (third-season finale).
••“The Rachel Zoe Project,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (sixth-season finale).
••“Bully Beatdown,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season finale).
••“Nitro Circus,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season finale).
••“Pranked,” 9:30 p.m. Thursday on MTV (first-season finale).
••“Psych,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA Network (summer finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured above:
Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 11-17, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Oct. 11:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, OCT. 11, 2009
◊“Army Wives” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 3 finale, Michael and Claudia Joy prepare for Michael’s promotion ceremony although General Ludwig’s visit to Ft. Marshall could mean a big change that will significantly affect the lives of the entire tribe.
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): Jonathan falls for his latest client (Parker Posey, “The Return of Jezebel James”), the mother of a boy whose skateboard was stolen by a neighborhood bully. Bebe Neuwirth (“Frasier”) also guest stars.
◊“Breast Cancer Examined: An African American Perspective” (6 p.m. on TV One): This documentary probes into the areas of prevention, detection, treatment and empowerment for survivors, their families and friends. Celebrities interviewed include Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”), Diahann Carroll (“Dynasty”) and Alaina Reed Hall (“227”).
◊“Bridezillas” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Lacey Jordan insists on having an outdoor wedding ceremony during tornado season in Oklahoma and refuses to come up with a back-up plan. When the big day arrives, so does a major storm, but the bride still refuses to move the ceremony indoors.
◊“Californication” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Hank attends a university mixer hosted by Dean Koons and Felicia (Peter Gallagher, Embeth Davidtz) and consoles his jilted assistant, Jill, the best way he knows how. Charlie celebrates his first talent
signing and winds up in the arms of his new boss (Kathleen Turner).
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens the 2004 case of a teen who was wrongly sent to a juvenile detention center where he was killed before Valens could make good on his promise to get him released. Steven Culp (”JAG”), Adina Porter (”True Blood”) and Cress Williams (”Prison Break”) guest star as employees of the faciloity where the victim was killed.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry rats out Christian Slater at Ted (Ted Danson) and Mary’s (Mary Steenburgen) anniversary party, but later gets his payback at a restaurant rendezvous with an old flame (Sherry Stringfield).
◊“Discovering Ardi” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special documents the find and study of a 4.4 million-year-old female partial skeleton nicknamed “Ardi.” The scientific investigation that began in the Ethiopian desert 17 years ago opens a new chapter on human evolution, revealing the first evolutionary steps our ancestors took after we diverged from a common ancestor we once shared with living chimpanzees. “Ardi’s” centerpiece skeleton, the other hominids she lived with, and the rocks, soils, plants and animals that made up her world were analyzed in laboratories around the globe. The scientists have now published their findings in the prestigious journal Science.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In the season finale entitled “Grayson’s Anatomy,” everyone at the firm is up in arms when they anticipate Parker is going to make an announcement of the newest partner. Jane finally decides to move on with her life, but when she receives an unexpected visit from a man from her past, she has to rethink all she knows about life and love. Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Ty Pennington and his team travel to Suffield, Conn., to rebuild the small, fire-damaged and deteriorating home of the musical Hill family, who give the gifts of song and inspiration to their community. Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) will be the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Girls Next Door” (9:30 p.m. on E!): A new season of this reality series takes viewers behind closed doors of the Playboy Mansion to reveal the world of Hugh Hefner through the eyes of the women who live, play and party with him. Last season’s shocking break-ups send Hef on a search for love in all new places with current girlfriends identical twins Karissa and Kristina and Crystal Harris by his side.
◊“Leave it to Lamas” (10 p.m. on E!): This new series follows the antics of “The Bachelor” winner Shayne Lamas as she works, plays and navigates life in Los Angeles with her close-knit family. From her always meddling mother Michele Smith, to her famous father Lorenzo Lamas, to her opinionated siblings A.J. and Dakota, there’s never a shortage of fun, excitement or drama for this family.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Not all the melodrama is on the stage as Lewis and Hathaway sift through the motives of many suspects who may have murdered a young actor in a student production of “The Merchant of Venice” and subsequently strangled a campus critic in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Quality of Mercy.”
◊“Unbelievable Flying Objects” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Network): This special highlights some ideas in the history of aviation that didn’t quite work — from the vertical “Pogo” plane to the disastrous Gobin nicknamed the “Flying Egg” to the efforts to build a submarine that flies.
MONDAY, OCT. 12, 2009
◊“The 100 Mile Challenge” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This six-part series follows six families in Mission, British Columbia, as they take on the challenge to eat food grown and produced within a 100 mile radius for 100 days. As the kitchen cupboards are stripped bare, the families begin to panic as they soon discover it is not going to be as easy as it first appeared.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”) lends his voice as director Will Toffman in the 13th season premiere “No Acting Please.” When Fern lands a role in the Elwood City community production of “It Began With a Whistle,” she fears she’s not talented enough to be a star actress. But Will Toffman teaches Fern how to have fun, be herself and truly shine.
◊“Broke: The New American Dream” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film by director and author Michael Covel brings America’s 2007-09 economic crisis into the forefront through interviews with Nobel Prize winners Dr. Harry Markowitz and Dr. Vernon Smith, Bill Miller of Legg Mason, David Harding of Winton Capital, and dozens of other Wall Street pros, real estate agents, professional poker players, reporters, athletes and ordinary citizens. The investigation breaks new ground in the field of behavioral finance and dispels the belief that government can solve personal money woes.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Season 3 of the game show hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro will feature a number of celebrity guest episodes, including appearances by Ribeiro’s former castmates on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and stars from “The Biggest Loser.”
◊“Gone Too Far” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new documentary series hosted and created by Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein chronicles young addicts between the ages of 20-25 in the grip of addiction who are offered a chance at recovery. Goldstein died Aug. 28 of an accidental drug overdose.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): A wealthy businessman brings his teenage son, who is suffering from inexplicable stomach pains, to Princeton Plainsboro and insists on having Dr. House handle the case. The father of the patient believes the karmic penalty of his financial success is that he is victim to personal tragedy, and that the answer to his son’s medical mystery lies in a reverse of fate rather than medical treatment. Lee Tergesen (“Oz”) guest stars.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jimmy Smits (“The West Wing”) narrates this survey of American music that was forged from strong Latin roots. The first hour, “Bridges,” traces the rise of Latin jazz and the surging popularity of the mambo and the cha-cha. The second hour, “The Salsa Revolution” explores how New York Latinos reinvented traditional Puerto Rican styles by adding soul and jazz elements to create salsa.
◊“Little People, Big World” (7 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 features more heart-warming moments and real-life challenges for the Roloff family, which is comprised of both little and average height people. Matt and Amy start to explore new territory as their oldest children are ready to start their own lives. They are left with different ideas on how to fill their time and have to figure out what will be their next chapter in life.
◊“Million Dollar Listing” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Season 3 of this series takes viewers inside the high-stakes, cutthroat world of real estate, where Josh Flagg, Madison Hildebrand and Chad Rogers struggle to ink their million dollar deals during this economic downturn.
◊“The Rachel Zoe Project” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 2 finale, Rachel is juggling a high fashion editorial photo shoot and the launch of the Rachel Zoe brand. But when Taylor threatens to walk out the door, the stress causes a relapse of Rachel’s vertigo.
TUESDAY, OCT. 13, 2009
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Season 28 premiere “Obama’s War,” correspondent Martin Smith travels across Afghanistan and Pakistan to see how the president’s new strategy is taking shape.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The documentary series kicks off a new season with “Herb and Dorothy,” a profile of Herb and Dorothy Vogel, a postal clerk and a librarian who built one of the most important contemporary art collections in history, proving that you “don’t have to be a Rockefeller” to collect art.
◊“The Newlywed Game” (5 p.m. on GSN): Today’s episode of the game show hosted by Carnie Wilson will feature George Takei (”Star Trek”) and his spouse Brad Altman, the first same-sex couple in the show’s history. Joining them are newlywed couples Christopher Knight (“The Brady Bunch”) and Adrianne Curry (“American’s Next Top Model”) and Damien Gurganius and Nicole Brewer (”The Biggest Loser: Couples 2″).
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): The three remaining chefs have to create one dish from various parts of the world in the Season 6 finale. At the end, one chef is crowned the winner and will receive a head chef position at Araxi Restaurant in Vancouver, Canada.
◊“NOVA: Hubble’s Amazing Rescue” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special takes viewers on board the telescope for spacewalks and in depth behind the scenes coverage in. The five days in space were just the tip of the iceberg in a 7-year effort by a cast of thousands (instructors, designers and engineers) who made it possible for seven astronauts to risk their lives in a dangerous mission to save the world’s “eye on the universe.”
◊“Planet Mechanics” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): Engineers Dick Strawbridge and Jem Stansfield tame a fuel-guzzling grain dryer by turning cow manure into natural gas. But storing a vast amount of this gas is dangerous.
◊“ReCreating America” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The first installment of this three-part documentary series explores the importance of creativity in education. The four schools visited are a preschool in Tulsa, Flower Mound Elementary School in Lawton, Piedmont Middle School and Santa Fe South High School.
◊“Starz Inside: Zombiemania” (9 p.m. on Starz): Richard Roeper (”Ebert & Roeper”) hosts this special that traces the evolution of the Zombie from its roots in African folklore and Haitian Voodoo to its current role as pop culture icon. It uncovers what it is about these flesh-eating ghouls that appeals to millions of horror enthusiasts.
◊“VH1 Hip Hop Honors 2009″ (8 p.m. on VH1): Tracy Morgan (”30 Rock”) hosts the sixth annual event that commemorates the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records, one of the most celebrated hip hop labels in the music industry. Performances and presenters include Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Kid Rock, Ludacris, Ashanti, Public Enemy, DMX, Redman, Method Man and Ja Rule.
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba” (noon on Nick Jr.): Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) teaches the Gabba gang the “Alligator Chomp” during the “Dancey Dance” segment.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14, 2009
◊“American Masters” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): “Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound” is the first comprehensive documentary to chronicle both the private life and the public career of the recording artist and political activist. Filmed during her 2008-09 world tour, it includes footage of Baez in concert, as well appearances by Bob Dylan, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt.
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): This week’s photo shoot has a martial arts-inspired theme that has the girls hanging by a wire. Supermodel Jessica White appears as a guest judge.
◊“Mary Queen of Shops” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Sassy and straight-talking retail guru Mary Portas gives the ultimate insider’s guide on how to get the most out of shops and shopping and troubleshoots her way around the United Kingdom on a mission to help turn around struggling fashion boutiques – one shop at a time.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire and Mitchell’s mother, Dede (Shelley Long, “Cheers”), drops in for a surprise visit and is determined to make amends with everyone she offended during what has been deemed “the incident” at Jay and Gloria’s wedding. Needless to say, no one is thrilled to see her and everything comes to a head when the whole family shows up to dinner at Claire’s house.
◊“Nature, Inc.” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series explores the question of “what if?” and the ripple effect of a world without coral reefs, honeybees and other key species.
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barb has her lawyer send over divorce papers, Christine hires an aggressive divorce attorney (Corbin Bernsen, “Psych”) who convinces her that Barb owes her alimony.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): In the Season 6 premiere, Sean and Christian struggle to keep McNamara/Troy successful in this declining economy. Meanwhile, Matt and Kimber have mixed results in their career paths, as Sean keeps himself distant from Teddy.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lillian Gish was born on this day in 1893, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1923’s “The White Sister” (6 a.m.), 1926’s “The Scarlet Letter” (10 a.m.) and 1946’s “Duel in the Sun” (4:30 p.m.).
◊“Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak” (6 p.m. on HBO): This documentary explores the life and works of celebrated children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, who does not believe in sugarcoating the truth when it comes to communicating with kids.
THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 4 premiere, Jack informs Liz, Tracy and Jenna that “TGS” needs to make immediate adjustments to become more relatable. Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a policeman kills another officer, the CSIs must look to the evidence to determine if the shooting was premeditated or an accident. Enrique Murciano (”Without a Trace”) guest stars.
◊“E! Investigates: Little Girl Gone” (8 p.m. p.m. on E!): This special tells the story of Riley Fox. 3, who was abused and strangled before her body was dumped in a river. In a shocking turn, Riley’s father, kevin, initially confessed to killing his daughter, but DNA evidence turned the case upside down.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): The Fringe team travels to Seattle after learning of a mysterious incident involving a man who attacked his boss because he believed he was an evil ram-horned creature. Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) guest stars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): The residents of Seattle Grace and Mercy West vie for surgeries and their careers as day one of the hospital merger begins. Meanwhile, Arizona stands by an enraged Callie when her father, Mr. Torres (Hector Elizondo, “Cane”), employs a priest to help convince her to date men.
◊“Los Premios MTV Latin America 2009″ (9 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): The eighth-annual event will feature artists performing in cities throughout Latin American and the United States. Scheduled performers include Alejandro Sanz, Cobra Starship, Fall Out Boy, Miranda!, Nelly Furtado, Paulina Rubio and Wisin & Yandel.
◊“Mall Cops: Mall of America” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special features an action-packed day in the life of the Mall of America as seen through the eyes of the men and women assigned to guard its stores and shoppers.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): The Circus heads home to Utah to wrap up Season 2. Erik and some skydiving friends strap on their wings and engage in a down and dirty sky-scraping dogfight. The Utah Jazz Bear and his mountain bike take a mean hit on a colossal ski ramp. And a base jump from a 600-foot bridge turns into a near-epic disaster for some of the Nitro cast.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie plays host to the Parks and Recreation department from Pawnee’s sister city, Boraqua, Venezuela, and is shocked at the cultural differences. Fred Armisen (”Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
◊“Pranked” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This finale showcases the best pranks ever caught on camera and posted online. College Humor.com’s Streeter Seidell & Amir Blumenfeld provide commentary.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy”) brings a kidney transplant patient to Los Angeles, and Addison isn’t the only Oceanside Wellness doctor pleased to see her.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol” judge) will be seated alongside Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd during her second appearance on the show, but her first as a guest co-host. DioGuardi, who joined “American Idol” during the show’s eighth season, is a well-renowned singer/songwriter, record producer, music publisher and A&R executive.
FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 2009
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on Fine Living Network): In each episode of this new competition series, three bartenders face off in a series of challenges. Host Egypt Sherrod rallies these contestants as they challenge each other from seeing who can get the biggest tips to the most phone numbers to creating the most unusual and delicious cocktails.
◊“Live at Gotham” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): This series, back for Season 4, tapes at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City and features six up-and-coming comedians and one all-star host each episode. The premiere is hosted by Jo Koy and showcases the talent of Deb DiGiovanni, Cory Fernandez, Andy Ritchie, Taylor Williamson, Reese Waters and Wil Sylvince.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): To woo the lone holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip with the man’s troublesome son. Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) and Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) guest star.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a series of murders which they realize are being copied from scenes out of a soon-to-be-released movie. Adam Goldberg (”Entourage”) guest stars.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): While working on a case involving an ice cream truck, Shawn stumbles onto something bigger and more deadly. It is up to Gus, Lassiter, Henry and Juliet to find Shawn when they discover he’s been kidnapped.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Angela Lansbury was born on this day in 1925, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1944’s “Gaslight” (6 a.m.), 1946’s “The Harvey Girls” (10 a.m.) and 1966’s “Mister Buddwing” (5:15 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 4 premiere, which was delayed from last week, Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor. Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest star.
SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 2009
◊“2009 Really Awards” (9 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): Vivica A. Fox (”Curb Your Enthusiasm”) hosts the fourth annual event that celebrates the best in reality television.
“Head Games” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new trivia series hosted by Greg Proops (“True Jackson, VP”) and executive produced by Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) uses humor and fascinating science facts to challenge the intellect of contestants and viewers and test their knowledge about peculiar, unexpected information from the natural and scientific world. Contestants go brain-to-brain to determine who knows more funky facts and in the end, the winner walks away with some cold hard cash.
◊“Jon Reep: Metro Jethro” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Jon Reed, the redheaded redneck who won Season 5 of “Last Comic Standing,” brings his energy, non-stop characters and clever writing to the stage in this new stand-up special.
◊“Phineas and Ferb” (7 a.m. on Disney XD): Baljeet takes a break from his intense studying to go around town inside a giant bubble with Phineas and Ferb. And Isabella, Adyson and the rest of the Fireside Girls go on an adventure to obtain a patch for sap collecting. Jane Leeves (“Frasier”)and Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) guest star.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Gerard Butler (”300″) makes his SNL debut as host. Musical guest is Shakira, who boasts a string of chart-topping hits in both English and Spanish and sales of over 50 million records.
◊“Sorority Wars” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): This original movie follows Katie (Lucy Hale, “Privileged”), a college freshman who has been groomed from birth to continue her mother’s (Courtney Thorne-Smith, “According to Jim”) legacy with the Deltas. An all out sorority war begins when Katie has doubts about the Deltas and pledges another house.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Cara and Mady Gosselin
Oct. 8, 2009 — Cara Nicole and Madelyn Kate Gosselin, who are the twins sisters featured along with their sextuplet siblings and parents on “Jon & Kate Plus Eight” (8 p.m. Mondays on TLC), turn 9 today.
Their brothers and sisters — Joel, Collin, Aaden, Hannah, Leah and Alexis — turned 5 on May 10.
Best wishes to Cara and Mady and everybody who shares this special day with them.
–Penny TV
Pictured above: The Gosselin sextuplets’ fifth birthday party. (TLC / Michael Pilla)
TV Premieres and Finales airing Oct. 4-10
"Let's Make a Deal" host Wayne Brady (CBS Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Oct. 4.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“America’s Funniest Home Videos,” 6 p.m. Sunday on ABC (20th-season premiere).
••“Dallas Divas & Daughters,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Style (series premiere).
••“The Next Iron Chef,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (second-season premiere).
••“Three Rivers,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Jungle Junction,” 9 a.m. Monday on Disney (series premiere).
••“Let’s Make a Deal,” 2 p.m. Monday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Sherri,” 6 p.m. Monday on Lifetime (series premiere).
••“Rita Rocks,” 6:30 p.m. Monday on Lifetime (second-season premiere).
••“The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price,” 9 p.m. Monday on Logo (series premiere).
••“Gone Too Far,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Indoors Out,” 9 p.m. Monday on DIY (third season resumes).
••“Healthy Minds,” 10 p.m. Monday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••“Dirty Jobs,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (fifth season resumes).
••“Dragon’s Den,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on BBC America (sixth-season premiere).
••“Man Caves,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (fourth-season premiere).
••“Scare Tactics,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy (season resumes).
••“Disaster House,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (series premiere).
••“Ghost Lab,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Parking Wars,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (third-season premiere).
••“Craft in America,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on OETA-13 (second-season premiere).
••“The Bureau,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Mythbusters,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Discovery (seventh season resumes).
••“Art in the Twenty-First Century,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on OETA-13 (fifth-season premiere).
••“Clean House,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Style (eighth-season premiere).
••“Man Shops Globe,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (series premiere).
••“South Park,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (13th season resumes).
••“Secret Girlfriend,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“The This Old House Hour,” 7 p.m. Thursday on OETA-13 (eighth-season premiere).
••“Tosh.0,” 9 p.m. Thursday on comedy Central (first season resumes).
••“Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Wizards of Waverly Place,” 7 p.m. Friday on Disney (third-season premiere).
••“I’m Alive,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Sanctuary,” 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy (second-season premiere).
••“World’s Strictest Parents,” 7 p.m. Saturday on CMT (first season resumes).
••“Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team,” 8 p.m. Saturday on CMT (fourth-season premiere).
••“Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes?,” 9 p.m. Saturday on TV One (fourth-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami,” 9 p.m. Sunday on E! (first-season finale).
••“Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO (sixth-season finale).
••“Giuliana & Bill,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Style Network (first-season finale).
••“Police Women of Broward County,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TLC (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 4-10, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Oct. 4:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 2009
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): The show hosted by Tom Bergeron begins its 20th season with all-new footage of what happens when adults, children and even inanimate objects are at their spontaneous best.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the 1995 murder of a 17-year-old boy who left his dysfunctional home for the streets, where he started to make his mark as a skateboarding prodigy. Kevin Chapman (”Brotherhood”) plays a police officer who recalls the victim — and the citation he gave him for skateboarding on city property.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry resists Jeff’s suggestion to do a “Seinfeld” reunion special – until he figures out a compelling personal reason to do so. “Seinfeld” cast members Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia-Louis Dreyfuss and Michael Richard guest star.
◊“Dallas Divas & Daughters” (7 p.m. on Style): This new docu-series follows mothers and daughters from Dallas’ wealthiest neighborhoods where being rich is a way of life, designer fashion is mandatory and staying on the top of the social ladder is critical. And when money is no object, the relationship between mother and daughter is anything but ordinary.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”), with help from Lebron James (NBA player), strong arms Vince to get involved in his charity before Vince leaves for Italy.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Green County, Mo., to tell the eight members of the Hampton family – all living in a cramped one-bedroom, one-bath cottage, 792 sq. ft. total – that they’ll have a new home in seven days. Ashley Tisdale (“High School Musical”) will be the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Farm Aid 2009″ (4 p.m. on DirectTV’s 101 Network): Musical artists Gretchen Wilson, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews are among the performers during this six-hour broadcast airing live from St. Louis. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised nearly $36 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.
◊“Handy Manny” (6 p.m. on Disney): Manny and his tools take viewers along on an eventful road trip to Manny’s family reunion. Renowned East Los Angeles rockers Los Lobos and series star Wilmer Valderrama (Manny) each perform new songs in the special. Kris Kristofferson (“A Star is Born”) and Donny Osmond (“Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“I Love Lucy” (10 a.m. on Hallmark Channel): Catch 16 hours of the series that won five Emmy awards and ranked second on TV Guide’s Top 50 television shows list.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Literary whimsy becomes murderous reality with the death of a Czech hotel worker. Lewis and Hathaway find two clues that may help them find the connection between the victim and an Oxford professor in the new episode “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Allegory of Love.”
◊“My Monkey Baby” (8 p.m. on TLC): With her pink bedroom, a designer wardrobe, the latest toys, games and makeup, Jessica Marie is like any spoiled little girl — except that she’s a monkey. This special looks at couples who haven taken on 40-year commitments to parent monkeys.
◊“The Next Iron Chef” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Hosted by Alton Brown (”Good Eats”), this reality competition will challenge 10 top chefs from around the country in a series of demanding situations, testing their culinary skills and mental toughness.
◊“The Supreme Court: Home to America’s Highest Court” (8 p.m. on C-Span): This 80-minute documentary offers rarely-seen video of areas accessible only to the Justices and their staffs, including the Justices’ “Robing Room” and Private Dining Room. Viewers will also get extensive views of the Courtroom and visit some of the Justices’ offices, known as “chambers.”
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Andy Yablonski (Alex O’Loughlin, “Moonlight”) leads a dedicated team of surgeons at the country’s leading transplant facility in this new medical drama. In the premiere episode, Dr. Yablonski tells a young pregnant woman that in order to save her and her unborn child, she must get a heart transplant.
MONDAY, OCT. 5, 2009
◊“Being Lincoln: Men With Hats” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film delves into a subculture of Abraham Lincoln impersonators and explores why over 180 Lincoln presenters in the country do what they do.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Three volleyball players mysteriously drop dead on the court while Calleigh’s testimony against Delko threatens his future as a CSI. Cheryl Ladd (”Charlie’s Angels”) and Tia Carrere (”Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price” (9 p.m. on Logo): In this new reality series, the Canadian-born contestant of HGTV’s 2006 Designer Superstar Challenge will repair, restore and re-upholster his way to the top in attempt to accomplish his decorating and designing dreams.
◊“Gone Too Far” (9 p.m. on MTV): Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein hosts this new series that documents young adults between the ages of 18-25 as they struggle with substance abuse and the devastating addictions that threaten to destroy them and the people who love them most.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): It‘s Founders Weekend at the ZBZ house and the girls decide to keep the house’s decline in the rankings a secret in hopes they can hustle enough donations to meet their goals. Olivia Munn (”Attack of the Show”) guest stars.
◊“Healthy Minds” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Each episode in this new series humanizes a specific mental health condition through personal stories and interviews with researchers and experts. The premiere episode is “Autism — Part One: Discovery and Diagnosis.”
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): As Hiro’s life continues to hang in the balance, he distracts himself with saving the lives of others. Bruce Boxleitner (“Young Blades”) and Swoosie Kurtz (“Pushing Daisies”) guest star.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a controversial African politician (James Earl Jones, “Star Wars”) falls ill, he is brought to Princeton Plainsboro for treatment. The team struggles with whether to help a merciless dictator being subpoenaed for crimes against humanity in his country.
◊“Imus in the Morning” (8 a.m. on Fox Business Network): The nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Don Imus will be simulcast in HD Monday through Friday and feature interviews with top newsmakers and discussions on current affairs, politics, business, sports and entertainment news.
◊“Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Liev Schreiber (“Taking Woodstock”) narrates this two-hour documentary that chronicles how, for four generations, members of the Chandler family pursued both personal agendas and lofty civic ideals as they used their newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, to influence many in the Southern California area.
◊“Jungle Junction” (9 a.m. on Disney): This new animated series for preschoolers follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique jungle. The fast-paced adventure emphasizes an appreciation of the environment while highlighting pre-literacy skills through the use of road signs and symbols.
◊“Let’s Make a Deal” (2 p.m. on CBS): Wayne Brady (”The Wayne Brady Show”) hosts this new version of the vintage game show in which wildly costumed contestants try to win cash and prizes by making deals. Monty Hall, who hosted the original show from 1963-77, serves as creative consultant.
◊“Lie to Me” (8 p.m. on Fox): Zoe enlists the Lightman Group to investigate a star college football player accused of statutory rape.
◊“Outrage” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary takes a look at the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who continually vote against gay rights and actively campaign against the gay community they covertly belong to. It also probes the ethics of outing closeted politicians and the double standards that the media upholds in its coverage of the sex lives of gay public figures.
◊“Rita Rocks” (6:30 p.m. on Lifetime): Nicole Sullivan (“The King of Queens”) returns for a second season as Rita Clemens, a married working mom, unfulfilled by her harried life, who tries to regain her identity by recreating her glory days as a musician in a garage band.
◊“Sherri” (6 p.m. on Lifetime): Sherri Shepherd (”The View”) moonlights in this new sitcom loosely based on her own life, in which she plays a working mother and part-time entertainer trying to pick up the pieces of her life when she splits from her husband after she discovers his affair.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): American journalist Lisa Ling, a former co-host of “The View” from 1999-2002, will return to co-host live shows today and Tuesday. Also sitting in for co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck (on maternity leave and returning mid-October) this week are Jaclyn Smith (“Charlie’s Angels”) on Wednesday and Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) on Thursday.
TUESDAY, OCT. 6, 2009
◊“20 Years, 20 Duggars” (8 p.m. on TLC): Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar take a look back at their beginnings as a family, introduce viewers to their 18 kids and strengthen their future by renewing their vows.
◊“The Buffalo Flows” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Ray McKinnon (”The Accountant”) narrates this documentary about Conservation groups protesting a proposed dam on Arkansas’ Buffalo River. It captures the river’s spectacular beauty over the course of four seasons while chronicling the activists’ battle to protect the region.
◊“Conversation With Wanda Jackson” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In April, this music pioneer and native Oklahoman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She regularly sang on an Oklahoma City radio show while in junior high school and had her first hit record by the time she was 17.
◊“Dirty Jobs” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the continuation of Season 5, host and creator Mike Rowe heads to Miami, Fla., to try out marine salvaging, where he’ll work to remove submerged, abandoned boats from the water. He’ll then go to a recycling center in San Francisco to separate the metal, fabric, padding and wood parts of a mattress so each can be made into a new product.
◊“Disaster House” (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new series, contractor Josh Temple inflicts all kinds of abnormal damage to demonstrate the punishment a normal home takes over the years. The man-made earthquakes, flooded basements and busted roofs are an exaggerated, over-the-top illustration of what it takes to repair the most common and not-so-common household catastrophes.
◊“Dragon’s Den” (8 p.m. on BBC America): The Dragons give would-be entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas in hopes of making their business plans a reality. Ideas pitched during Season 6 include a talking tree and a machine that turns air into water.
◊“the forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The case of a John Doe (Jarrod Bunch, former NFL Player for the New York Giants), left beaten on the street and ravaged by past injuries, leads The Forgotten Network into the world of professional football.
◊“Ghost Lab” (9 p.m. on Discovery): This new series follows Brad and Barry Klinge, Texas natives who in 2007 founded Everyday Paranormal. They tackle what are thought to be some of America’s most haunted locations with sophisticated equipment housed in a decked-out traveling “ghost lab.” This on-site high-tech lab enables investigators to analyze data on the premises in real time, helping them to more narrowly focus their investigations on suspected “hot spots.”
◊“King’s Ransom” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary explores the shocking trade of hockey player Wayne Gretzky from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1988. And it kicks off ESPN’s “30 for 30” film project centered on the last 30 years in sports.
◊“Man Caves” (8 p.m. on DIY): Former NFL player Tony “The Goose” Siragusa and contractor Jason Cameron return for a fourth season of offering ideas and do-it-yourself instruction designed to help any guy turn an extra room into the ultimate guys’ hangout.
◊“Parking Wars” (9 p.m. on A&E): The series, which for the past two seasons has followed the men and women on the front lines of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, expands beyond the City of Brotherly Love to hit the road in a new town where cars mean everything — Motor City. The ticket-writers and booters of Detroit’s Municipal Parking Department are called every name in the book, but they have the skills and attitude to get it done.
◊“Weird, True & Freaky” (8:30 p.m. on Animal Planet): This episode features a segment on the world’s deadliest spider — the Brazilian Wandering Spider — that was reportedly found in the produce aisle of a Tulsa grocery store in March.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2009
◊“Art in the Twenty-First Century” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This series invites viewers to meet 14 of today’s most accomplished artists as they create works that reflect important and timely global issues. Season 5 shows a broad range of artistic practice, technical innovation, and experimentation, from artists tackling large-scale collaborative projects in hangar-like studios, to those working in the quiet of more intimate studio settings.
◊“The Bureau” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series profiles the modern Federal Bureau of Investigation and explores the determination required to solve some of the most mystifying cases of the 21st century.
◊“Clean House” (9 p.m. on Style): Host Niecy Nash (”Reno 911!”) and her no-holds-barred team of experts encounter homes “possessed by possessions” and in dire need of rescue. The Season 8 premiere The season premiere finds the “Clean House” cameras at Niecy’s own house. Her mother has moved in and the belongings she brought with her are cluttering up Niecy’s home.
◊“Craft in America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The Season 2 premiere episode focuses on the origins of the American craft movement and features artists who tie their work to early craft techniques and pass on these techniques to others.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit investigates a case in Rossi’s hometown that involves both his personal and professional life. Cynthia Watros (”Lost”) and D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two bodies are discovered at the North and South ends of the city, Mac and the team deftly begin to navigate the trail of evidence left behind by the killer. Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) guest stars in a recurring role as Hollis Eckhart, a mastermind killer, who takes the CSI team on the ride of their careers. Sarah Carter (”Shark”) returns as Haylen Becall.
◊“Dive to the Bottom of the World” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new special chronicles the dedication of biologists, engineers, geologists and oceanographers as they collaborate to invent, design, build and deploy a state-of-the-art deep-sea vehicle that is more maneuverable than any other in history. The underwater vehicle’s mission: to provide researchers with an eye on the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean floor, and retrieve invaluable biological and geological samples for further study.
◊“Hollywood Ex-Wives: True Hollywood Story” (9 p.m. on E!): In exclusive new interviews, Gretchen Bonaduce, Sharise Neil, Sandra Carradine and Darcy LaPier – the ex-wives of Danny Bonaduce, Vince Neil, Keith Carradine and Jean-Claude Van Damme – come together to compare notes on their former spouses. No topic is off-limits as these ladies share how they went from rags to riches – and, in some cases, back to rags – and struggled to reinvent themselves without their famous husbands.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a young woman goes missing, her ex-convict neighbor (Stephen Rea, “V for Vendetta”) becomes the primary suspect.
◊“Man Shops Globe” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This new series follows Keith Johnson, the buyer-at-large for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie, as he travels the globe in search of fantastic and unusual decorative objects, furniture, and textiles, as well as artists and crafts people.
◊“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman test the classic physics textbook theory “bullet dropped versus bullet fired.” In a scientifically complex experiment, they ask: If one bullet is fired and the other is dropped simultaneously from the same height, which will hit the ground first?
◊“Secret Girlfriend” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new series makes the viewer the central character in the irreverent life of a 20-something single guy, his two best friends and roommates, Phil and Sam, and the two women in his life he’s trying to keep secret from each other – psycho ex-girlfriend Mandy and new girlfriend Jessica.
THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When two office mates plot to rob a casino, their plan ends with the CSIs investigating a murder. Wayne Knight (”Seinfeld”) guest stars.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark and Janis travel to Germany to speak with an imprisoned Nazi who claims to have knowledge about the blackouts, and an anonymous tip leads Demetri to believe his deepest fears about his future. Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) guest stars.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): Recuperating from the traumatic and alarming meeting with Massive Dynamic founder William Bell (Leonard Nimoy, “Star Trek”), Agent Dunham consumes a powerful “fringe” concoction that Dr. Bishop prescribes to stimulate her memory.
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Sam and Dean decide to start hunting together again and their first case leads them to a small town whose inhabitants are being killed by famous dead icons like Abraham Lincoln and James Dean’s car. However, after two teenage girls come forward and claim their friend was kidnapped by Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”), the brothers aren’t sure what they are hunting anymore.
◊“The This Old House Hour” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): For the eighth season, the show’s experts are once again traveling the country to help puzzled homeowners tackle all sorts of common household problems. Submit questions at www.thisoldhouse.com/askaquestion and you may hear the experts knocking on your door.
◊“Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): At a fund-raising car wash, Bonnie is surprised by abilities she didn’t know she possessed and seeks advice from her grandmother (Jasmine Guy, “A Different World”).
FRIDAY, OCT. 9, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mike and Chill hire their cousin Kenny (Snoop Dogg, “Down for Life”), a shady lawyer who specializes in debt and fraud, to recover Mike’s laundered assets. But when Kenny is only able to locate funds donated to a children’s charity, Mike wrestles with a tough decision.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Echo and Victor’s imprints collide when Echo is sent on an assignment as a fun-loving, seductive college student and Victor is imprinted as the psychotic nephew of a Dollhouse shareholder (Michael Hogan, Battlestar Galactica”).
◊“I’m Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series features death-defying and moving stories of people who—regardless of the obstacles or consequences—were determined to survive an animal attack. It combines victim interviews with true-to-life reenactments, giving a replay of the split-second decisions that saved lives.
◊“Sanctuary” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 opener, Ashley remains captured, in the dangerous hands of the Cabal. While searching for her, Magnus, Will, Druitt and Tesla encounter a quick-talking con artist with Cabal connections.
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 4 premiere, Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor, especially since her boss is her ex-boyfriend, Matt Hartley, who is still unhappy about their breakup. Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest star.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): In the Season 3 premiere, Justin becomes fed up with Alex constantly going through his stuff and creates a female monster to guard his room and to think like Alex. However Justin’s plan backfires when the monster and Alex become fast friends.
SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 2009
◊“Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team” (8 p.m. on CMT): The new recruits for Season 4 quickly learn that professional cheerleading takes hard work, determination and nerves of steel. Hundreds of girls will fight to make the team, but only 36 will be selected to cheer in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
◊“Good Eats 10th Anniversary” (9 p.m. on Food Network): To celebrate 10 years, host Alton Brown and company put on a variety show full of strange cooking devices, a parade of guest stars and a strange birthday cake.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help a bicyclist (Willie Garson, “Sex and the City”) overcome his fears in this new episode. The Movers are members of the New Orleans band who introduce preschoolers to the group’s energetic rock and roll style of music while emphasizing creative problem solving skills.
◊“Mega Fault” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Eriq La Salle (“ER”) and Brittany Murphy (“Tribute”) star in this new
movie about an earthquake that triggers a crack in the earth’s crust.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Drew Barrymore (”Grey Gardens”) returns as host for her sixth time. She first hosted the show on Nov. 20, 1982, at seven years old, making history as the youngest host to ever appear on the show.
◊“Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me” (9 p.m. on HBO): Taped in August before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the special features the outspoken comic performing material featured in her current national stand-up tour, where she addresses such topics as having a new “cool” black President, coming out, the real Michelle Obama, being a new mom, getting her first bikini wax, healthcare town halls, pirates and working as an entertainer on a gay cruise.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 20-26, 2009
Christian Slater in "the forgotten'
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Sept. 20.
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
••“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (seventh-season premiere).
••“Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO (series premiere).
••“The Last 10 Pounds Boot Camp,” 9 p.m. Sunday on FLN (third-season premiere).
••“Between the Lions,” noon Monday on OETA-13 (ninth-season premiere).
••“The Mighty B!” 4:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (second-season premiere).
••“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Monday on CMT (syndicated premiere).
••“Dancing With the Stars,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (ninth-season premiere).
••“Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC (fourth-season premiere).
••“House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox (sixth-season premiere).
••“How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS (fifth-season premiere).
••“Accidentally on Purpose,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS (seventh-season premiere).
••“The Big Bang Theory,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS (third-season premiere).
••“Castle,” 9:01 p.m. Monday on ABC (second-season premiere).
••“CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS (eighth-season premiere).
••“Madventures,” 9 p.m. Monday on Travel Channel (series premiere).
••“NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (seventh-season premiere).
••“NCIS: Los Angeles,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (series premiere).
••“the forgotten,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (series premiere).
••“The Naughty Kitchen,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Oxygen (series premiere).
••“Epitafios,” 10 p.m. Tuesday on HBO2 (second-season premiere).
••“Mercy,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC (series premiere).
••“The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (fifth-season premiere).
••“Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (second-season premiere).
••“Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (fifth-season premiere).
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC (11th-season premiere).
••“Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Whatever, Martha!” 8 p.m. Wednesday on FLN (second-season premiere).
••“Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (sixth-season premiere).
••“Eastwick,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“FlashForward,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC (series premiere).
••“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS (10th-season premiere).
••“Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC (sixth-season premiere).
••“The Mentalist,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on CBS (second-season premiere).
••“Brothers,” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Ghost Whisperer,” 7 p.m. Friday on CBS (fifth-season premiere).
••“Law & Order,” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC (20th-season premiere).
••“Smallville,” 7 p.m. Friday on CW (seventh-season premiere).
••“Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“King of Clubs,” 8 p.m. Friday on Playboy TV (series premiere).
••“Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS (sixth-season premiere).
••“NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS (sixth-season premiere).
••“48 Hours Mystery,” 9 p.m. Saturday on CBS (21st-season premiere).
••“Saturday Night Live,” 10:29 p.m. Saturday on NBC (35th-season premiere).
••“Cheaters,” midnight Saturday on KOCB-34 (10th-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Top Gear,” 7 p.m. Monday on BBC America (seventh-season finale).
••“Warehouse 13,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy (first-season finale).
••“The Colony,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (first-season finale).
••“Making Over America With Trinny and Susannah,” 7 p.m. Friday on TLC (first-season finale).
••“Masters of Reception,” 9 p.m. Friday on TLC (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 13-19, 2009
Mischa Barton on "The Beautiful Life: TBL" (The CW Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Sept. 13.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Mega Beasts,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Design Inc.,” 11 a.m. Monday on FLN (third-season premiere).
••“The Dr. Oz Show,” 11 a.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (series premiere).
••“Martha Speaks,” 1 p.m. Monday on OETA-13 (second-season premiere).
••“The Martha Stewart Show,” 2 p.m. Monday on KSBI-52 (fifth-season premiere).
••“Dr. Phil,” 3 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (eighth-season premiere).
••“Have Fork Will Travel,” 4 p.m. Monday on FLN (series premiere).
••“The Oprah Winfrey Show,” 4 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (24th-season premiere).
••“Monday Night Football,” 6 p.m. Monday on ESPN (40th-season premiere).
••“Wheel of Fortune,” 6:30 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (27th-season premiere).
••“Lincoln Heights,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (fourth-season premiere).
••“One Tree Hill,” 7 p.m. Monday on CW (seventh-season premiere).
••“Gossip Girl,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW (third-season premiere).
••“Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke,” 9 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“The Jay Leno Show,” 9 p.m. Monday on NBC (series premiere).
••“The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (eighth-season premiere).
••“The Beautiful Life: TBL,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CW (series premiere).
••“60 Minutes on WE,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WEtv (series premiere).
••“The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SPIKE (season premiere).
••“Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox (fifth-season premiere).
••“Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday,” 7 p.m. Thursday on NBC (series premiere).
••“Survivor: Samoa,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS (19th-season premiere).
••“Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC (second-season premiere).
••“Extreme Cuisine With Jeff Corwin,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC (sixth-season premiere).
••“Community,” 8:31 p.m. Thursday on NBC (series premiere).
••“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” 9 p.m. Thursday on FX (fifth-season premiere).
••“The Troop,” 7 p.m. Friday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Crash,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz (second-season premiere).
••“Busytown Mysteries,” 8 a.m. Saturday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Rollbots,” 8 a.m. Saturday on CW (series premiere).
••“Noonbory & the Super 7,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on CBS (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“King of the Hill,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series finale).
••“There Goes the Neighborhood,” 7:59 p.m. Sunday on CBS (first-season finale).
••“True Blood,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (second-season finale).
••“Amazing Wedding Cakes,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season finale).
••“HGTV Design Star,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HGTV (fourth-season finale).
••“Hung,” 9 p.m. on Sunday HBO (first-season finale).
••“More to Love,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (first-season finale).
••“Big Brother,” 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (11th-season finale).
••“Shaq VS,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (second-season finale).
••“Masters of Reception,” 9 p.m. Tuesday at TLC (first-season finale).
••“America’s Got Talent,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC (fourth-season finale).
••“Truth Be Told,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TLC (first-season finale).
••“Dark Blue,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (first-season finale).
••“Guiding Light,” 2 p.m. Friday on CBS (series finale).
••“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (third-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Sept. 13-19, 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 Sept. 13:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 2009
◊“2009 MTV Video Music Awards” (8 p.m. on MTV): Russell Brand (”Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) returns as host of the 26th annual event. Beyonce and Lady Gaga, who earned nine nominations each, are scheduled to perform along with Taylor Swift, Green Day, Jay-Z and P!nk.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): An impending solar flare threatens the crew of the Antares with dangerous radiation, while the strange force in Pod 4 finally sends out a siren call that proves utterly irresistible.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Jane is determined to see if she can get a boutique to drop its refusal to sell plus sized clothing after being told the store doesn’t sell that kind of clothing. Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): The guys step up their security following a suspicious break-in. And Drama follows up on an insider tip on Vince’s suspected stalker.
◊“Hung” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the first-season finale, Tanya ends up battling Lenore for control of Ray, who is worried about his future after hearing rumors from Mike about layoffs at school.
◊“HGTV Design Star” (9 p.m. on HGTV): The final two designers go head to head in making over an entire home for a deserving family. Even with the help of a crew of carpenters, it’s a daunting task that takes everything they’ve got. When the dust settles, the final two designers stand before the judges one last time, and a new Design Star is chosen.
◊“King of the Hill” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, Bobby becomes quite the ladies’ man when several girls in his class consider him a potential date for the Homecoming dance. And Hank is shocked when his mother announces she is marrying a man she has only known for a few weeks.
◊“Life After” (9 p.m. on TV One): Omarosa (”The Apprentice”), Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (”Brothers”) and Al Reynolds (Star Jones’ ex) participate in this new series that explores the turning points in celebrities’ lives.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Life Born of Fire,” Lewis learns about a religious group that seems to be targeted by a serial killer.
◊“Mega Beasts” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Each episode of this new six-part series is a detective story, bringing back to life some of the biggest and most ferocious dinosaurs ever to roam the earth. Through fossil clues and modern analogues (animals with similar traits used to suggest the mega beasts’ behavior), scientists piece together what these mysterious creatures looked like, how they behaved, how they fought, what they ate…and what ate them.
◊“One Year Later: The Week That Shook Wall Street” (9 p.m. on CNBC): A look at the unprecedented events of last September that included the 158-year-old investment bank Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy, the unexpected union of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch and insurance giant AIG on the brink of collapse before a government bailout.
◊“Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins” (6 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new live-action movie reveals the never-before-told story of how the Mystery Inc. gang first joined forces. The cast features Robbie Amell (”True Jackson”) as Fred, Kate Melton as Daphne, Hayley Kiyoko as Velma and Nick Palatas as Shaggy. Frank Welker, a member of the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! voice-cast, provides the voice of Scooby-Doo.
◊“True Blood” (8 p.m. on HBO): On the second-season finale, the mayhem in Bon Temps reaches a fever pitch as Maryann prepares for her ultimate bestial sacrifice, conscripting Sookie to be maid of honor at the bloody nuptials.
MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009
◊“Amazing Wedding Cakes” (9 p.m. on WEtv): In the second-season finale, the CakeGirls get an order for a simple white wedding cake. But what seemed like an easy cake ends up challenging Brenda when she starts to paint a quilted design.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (7 p.m. on NBC): The eight finalists perform live one last time for a chance at the $1 million prize and the title of most talented person in America. The Season 4 winner is revealed live Wednesday.
◊“Design Inc.” (11 a.m. on FLN): Host and designer Sarah Richardson is back for Season 3 of the show that offers an insider’s view into the hectic workings of an interior fine design firm.
◊“The Dr. Oz Show” (11 a.m. on KOCO-5): After five years and 55 episodes as an “Oprah” show regular, Dr. Mehmet Oz launches his own series in syndication.
◊“Dr. Phil” (3 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5): Dr. Phil McGraw will kick off Season 8 from New York City. He met with viewers in taxi cabs and at the famous Carnegie Deli.
◊“Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke” (9 p.m. on VH1): The comedian has eight children, five exes and an entourage of family and friends who make his life complete. Problem is, he is supporting them all. This new series will give viewers a chance to go along for the rollercoaster ride with Eddie as he struggles to manage it all.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): As the summer is drawing to a close, Blair and Chuck are madly in love and adjusting to their new “in a relationship” status, breaking all traditional rules of dating as would be expected.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): As Rusty and Jordan are awkwardly deciding when to take their relationship to the next level, the Gotcha Game comes between them as the final two players left in the game. Nora Kirkpatrick (“Dorm Life”) guest stars as the Panhellenic President, Katherine.
◊“Have Fork Will Travel” (4 p.m. on FLN): Food lover and comedian Zane Lamprey travels the globe and tries to broaden his American sensibilities as he encounters a world of strange foods and customs.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Join Peter, Lois, Brian the Dog and Stewie as they recount the years they’ve spent together on the Emmy-nominated animated series “Family Guy.” The actors who provide their voices — Seth McFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mike Henry and Seth Green — are interviewed by host James Lipton.
◊“Intervention” (8 p.m. on A&E): This episode titled “Intervention in Depth: Addiction in Uniform” focuses on three Iraq veterans who have fallen into substance abuse as a result of their wartime experiences.
◊“The Jay Leno Show” (9 p.m. on NBC): Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno moves to prime time for this weeknight talk-variety hour. His first guests are comic Jerry Seinfeld and musical artists Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In Season 4 of the NAACP Image Award-winning family drama, the Suttons find themselves dealing with the aftermath of a major earthquake that rattled the town in last season’s finale and destroyed parts of their home. Lincoln Heights has always been a community in need of nurturing, but now with the devastation brought on by the massive quake, their community is struggling to come together.
◊“Martha Speaks” (1 p.m. on OETA-13): Season 2 starts with Martha putting a value on decor by dog when her beloved napping chair winds up on the set of “Antiques Roadshow.”
◊“The Martha Stewart Show” (2 p.m. on KSBI-52): For Season 5, homemaking icon Martha Stewart launches a new monthly segment, “American Treasures.” This unprecedented look at landmark locations across the country acts as an on-air companion to print stories that will appear in Martha Stewart Living magazine throughout the year. Skylands, Martha’s home in Maine, marks the first stop of the new series. Viewers will get Martha’s personal tour of this extraordinary home, whose previous owners were Edsel and Eleanor Ford.
◊“Monday Night Football” (6 p.m. on ESPN): Season 40 kicks off with two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady and the New England Patriots taking on wide receiver Terrell Owens and the Buffalo Bills. The commentator team of Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and analysts Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser will call the game.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Nathan learns of a shocking accusation that could threaten his career, much to the chagrin of his sports agent Clay (new series regular Robert Buckley, “Lipstick Jungle”).
◊“The Oprah Winfrey Show” (4 p.m. on KOCO-5): Oprah launches her 24th season with what she calls “the most anticipated music interview of the decade,” a must-see television event with singing icon Whitney Houston. This marks Houston’s first interview in nearly seven years and follows the release of her highly touted new album, “I Look To You” on Aug. 31.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Today and Tuesday, Kate Gosselin (”Jon & Kate Plus 8″) sits in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is on maternity leave until mid-October.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 2009
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Naomi is still furious with Annie from prom night and contemplates sending out a sexually explicit text message of Annie as payback. John Schneider (”Smallville”) and Rumer Willis (”Sorority Row”) guest star.
◊“Big Brother” (8:01 p.m. on CBS): The series will cap its 11th season with a live two-hour broadcast where the winner will be revealed and the houseguests will then tell-all about their explosive summer for a special season-ending event.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Alison Sweeney and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels return for an eighth season of the hit weight-loss show, this time built around “second chances” for the 16 contestants which include Oklahomans Danny Cahill and Sean Algaier.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): William tries to help an old friend (Richard Lewis, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) commit to getting clean and kicking a habit that is jeopardizing his life with his wife and two kids. PK (Whoopi Goldberg, “The View”) tries to plan a surprise party in honor of William’s seven-years-sober anniversary.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirectTV): This 2005 series, which which was canceled by ABC after five episodes, returns via DirecTV’s 101 Network, and all 12 episodes produced will air uncut, commercial free and in HD.
◊“More to Love” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 1 finale, Luke has his final one-on-one dates with the two remaining women and is forced to make a difficult decision.
◊“P.O.V.” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Principal Story,” elementary school principals Tresa Dunbar and Kerry Purcell face similar challenges at their Chicago and Springfield, Ill., schools.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): This installment looks at the deadly consequences of high school football concussions, the relationship between blacks and swimming and the decline of the sports section in U.S. newspapers.
◊“Retirement Revolution” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Paula Zahn (”Paula Zahn Now”) hosts this special in which experts analyze the financial problems of retirement and demonstrate ways to richer, healthier retirement years.
◊“Ruby & the Rockits” (7:30 p.m. on ABC Family): Shirley Jones (”The Partridge Family”) guest stars as David and Patrick’s mother, Shirley, visiting from Pittsburgh. Ruby and Shirley are off to a rocky start when Shirley insists Ruby call her Mrs. Gallagher instead of Grandma.
◊“Shaq VS” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, Shaquille O’Neal challenges 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps to a series of swimming races. Leading up to the challenge, Shaq learns the basics and get swimming tips from Michael Phelps’ swimming coach Bob Bowman.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16, 2009
◊“The Beautiful Life: TBL” (8 p.m. on CW): In this new series, modeling hopefuls quickly learn that behind the beautiful facade is a world of insecurity and cut-throat competition.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 1 final, Carter is the prime suspect in the killing of an undercover DEA officer, with Jaimie, Ty and Dean as witnesses to the shooting. But Carter’s recollection of the event involves a third person in a blue car, something none of the others remember seeing. Andrea Roth (”Rescue Me”) guest stars
◊“Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This five-part documentary follows the birth of the only league to successfully rival the NFL from its innovative and wild beginnings to the most stunning upset in pro football history and the eventual powerhouse merger.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Will forms the Acafellas, an all-male acapella vocal group, and spends more time building his own confidence than he does with the glee club. In Will’s absence, the glee club decides to hire a well-known choreographer to help coach them to Nationals. Victor Garber (”Alias”) and Josh Groban (musical artist) guest star.
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In the special “Vienna Philharmonic Summer Concert 2009,” conductor Daniel Barenboim leads the Vienna Philharmonic in an open-air performance that includes Mozart’s “A Little Night Music” Johann Strauss’ ‘‘1001 Nights Waltz.”
◊“Truth Be Told” (8 p.m. on TLC): Three different families reveal their innermost thoughts and moments as they let the cameras witness daily life coping with Autism, Down’s syndrome and Epidermolysis Bullose (a terminal disease that causes skin to blister and detach).
◊“The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): Rampage Jackson and Rashad Evans coach the best up-and-coming mixed martial artists in the heavyweights division.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): A psychic (Cyndi Lauper, “Vibes”) leads Brennan and Booth to an unmarked grave in the Season 5 premiere.
◊“Community” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): This new comedy focuses on a group of misfits at Greendale Community College. They form a study group and eventually learn more about themselves than their course work.
◊“Extreme Cuisine With Jeff Corwin” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Renowned for his expertise in wildlife and conservation, Jeff Corwin explores human culture through regional cuisine in this new series. With an open mind (and mouth), Jeff enjoys endless surprises as he learns from the natives and samples the exotic foods and local customs that mold each community.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): Season Two opens with Olivia’s shocking return from a parallel universe, while Peter, unknowingly in a race against time with an ominous mobile force, pursues information about Olivia’s visit.
◊“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (9 p.m. on FX): In Season 5, Dennis, Mac, and Frank go into real estate, while Dee sets out to be a surrogate for a wealthy couple.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael feels left out as the rest of the office gossips about the summer interns. While Michael searched for the next juicy rumor to share, Andy struggles with heterosexuality.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): When Leslie decides to marry two penguins to promote the local zoo, she inadvertently causes an uproar when both penguins turn out to be male.
◊“Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update Thursday” (7 p.m. on NBC): For the first two episodes of this new series, Amy Poehler (”Parks and Recreation”) reunites with ◊“Saturday Night Live” star Seth Meyers behind the anchor desk that they shared on “SNL.” They will skewer today’s top stories in primetime.
◊“Survivor: Samoa” (7 p.m. on CBS): In one of the most beautiful “Survivor” locations yet, 20 castaways will be left to fend for themselves among Samoa’s white sand beaches, lush green valleys and towering waterfalls. Despite the picturesque landscape, the castaways will face exposure to elements and wildlife living in the mysterious rainforests that cover rugged volcanic mountain peaks as they try to outwit, outplay and outlast one another to win $1 million.
◊“Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo” (6 p.m. on Cinemax): This documentary follows the lives of the Eddie Warrior Correctional Center women’s team from Taft and their journey as they prepare to compete in the Oklahoma Prison Rodeo against inmates from nine other male penitentiaries.
◊“VH1 Divas” (8 p.m. on VH1): Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) hosts this live concert event featuring singers Adele, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. The special will raise funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18, 2009
◊“The 2009 Alma Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): Eva Longoria Parker (”Desperate Housewives”) and George Lopez (”The Spy Next Door”) co-host the event that celebrates outstanding achievements of Latinos in entertainment. For the first time in the history of the show, the ALMA Awards will broadcast during National Hispanic Heritage Month, a month in which all Americans learn about the Latino community and celebrate the contributions that Latinos have made to this country throughout its history.
◊“The 2009 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards” (noon on E!): Kathy Griffin (”My Life on the D-List”) hosts the event where Emmys are handed out for technical and artistic achievement in television.
◊“Crash” (9 p.m. on Starz): Dennis Hopper (”Speed”) returns for a second season as record producer Ben Cendars, just out of rehab and searching for clues surrounding a personal mysterious death. Joining the cast this season are Eric Roberts (“Heroes”) as Seth, a billionaire entrepreneur who plans to give Los Angeles a long desired new professional football team; and Linda Park (“Star Trek: Enterprise”) as Maggie, a children’s book author who writes of a joyful life but has trouble living it.
◊“Diego’s Arctic Rescue” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new hourlong episode, Diego and Baby Jaguar are visiting the Arctic Wildlife Rescue Center playing with the polar bears when they suddenly hear a cry for help from a Mommy Polar Bear.
◊“Guiding Light” (2 p.m. on CBS): This daytime drama, which has spanned 72 years and more than 15,700 episodes, broadcasts its final episode. Throughout its run, the show has won 69 Daytime Emmy Awards, including three for outstanding daytime drama series.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): To woo the lone holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip with the man’s troublesome son where nature isn’t the only thing the troop has to fear. Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) and Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) guest star.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Greta Garbo was born on this day in 1905, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1940’s “I Take This Woman” (12:15 p.m.) and 1939’s “Dust Be My Destiny” (3:30 p.m.).
◊“The Troop” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new series created by Oklahomans Max Burnett and Greg Coolidge centers on three ordinary high school students who are members of a secret society and faced with the extraordinary task of managing their town’s paranormal population.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19, 2009
◊“Busytown Mysteries” (8 a.m. on CBS): Inspired by the beloved works of best-selling children’s author Richard Scarry, this new series brings the popular adventures of Busytown to preschoolers with an educational, problem-solving twist. Children can follow classic characters such as Huckle, Sally, Lowly, Hilda, Pig Will and Pig Won’t while they scour around Busytown on fun-filled adventures looking for answers to life’s puzzles.
◊“Georgia O’Keeffe” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Joan Allen (”The Contender”) stars in the title role and also serves as producer for this new movie that not only looks at the artist’s provocative, ground-breaking art-work but also delves into her relationship with art dealer/editor Alfred Stieglitz (Jeremy Irons, “Reversal of Fortune”).
◊“Noonbory & the Super 7″ (8:30 a.m. on CBS): When trouble is brewing or super silly villainy is taking place in the whimsical world of Toobalooba, Noonbory and his sensational team of super-sensing problem solvers save the day. Each superhero “bory “has a super sense, including sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, and of course a little common sense and nonsense never hurts.
◊“Reel Impact: The 11th Hour” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Leonardo DeCaprio (”Revolutionary Road”) narrates this documentary that explores how humanity has arrived at this moment, how we impact the Earth’s ecosystems and what we can do to change our course.
◊“Rollbots” (8 a.m. on CW): In the premiere episode of this new animated series about futuristic robots, Spin and the rest of the Flip City Police Department must deal with a bank robbery on Spin’s first day on the job.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 6-12, 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 Sept. 6.
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
••“Dinosaur Train,” 7 a.m. Monday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••“Judge Jeanine Pirro,” 9 a.m. Monday on KOKH-25 (second-season premiere).
••“Judge Mathis,” 11 a.m. Monday on KOKH-25 (11th-season premiere).
••“The People’s Court,” noon Monday on KOKH-25 (13th-season premiere).
••“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” noon Monday on KOCB-34 (eighth-season premiere).
••“The Doctors,” 3 p.m. Monday on KWTV-9 (second-season premiere).
••“The Tyra Banks Show,” 4 p.m. Monday on CW (fifth-season premiere).
••“Durham County,” 9 p.m. Monday on ION (series premiere).
••“The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” 9 a.m. Tuesday on KOCO-5 (seventh-season premiere).
••“Curious George,” 7 a.m. Tuesday on OETA-13 (fourth-season premiere).
••“The View,” 10 a.m. Tuesday on KOCO-5 (13th-season premiere).
••“90210,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CW (second-season premiere).
••“Melrose Place,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CW (series premiere).
••“Sons of Anarchy,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on FX (second-season premiere).
••“America’s Next Top Model,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CW (13th-season premiere).
••“So You Think You Can Dance,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox (sixth-season premiere).
••“Glee,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Nostradamus Effect,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on History (series premiere).
••“Destination Truth,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy (third-season premiere).
••“The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW (series premiere).
••“Supernatural,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CW (sixth-season premiere).
••“Say Yes to the Dress,” 8 p.m. Friday on TLC (fourth-season premiere).
••“20/20,” 9 p.m. Friday on ABC (31st-season premiere).
••“Cops,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Fox (22nd-season premiere).
••“America’s Most Wanted,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Fox (23rd-season premiere).
••“The Locator,” 8 p.m. Saturday on WEtv (third-season premiere).
••“Robin Hood,” 8 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (third-season premiere).
••“Adoption Diaries,” 9 p.m. Saturday on WEtv (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Ruby,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Style Network (second-season finale).
••“The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (mid-season finale).
••“Solved,” 8 p.m. Monday on Investigation Discovery (second-season finale).
••“Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (summer finale).
••“Real World: Cancun,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on MTV (season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured above: “Melrose Place” cast (The CW Photo)
Kate Gosselin on ‘Larry King Live’ Aug. 25 — complete transcript
Read what Kate Gosselin had to say to talk show host Larry King last night (Tuesday, Aug. 25).
This transcript was provided by CNN and the “Larry King Live” show.
LARRY KING, HOST: Good evening.
Quite a lineup tonight.
Kate Gosselin was last on LARRY KING LIVE on May 10th. A little more than a month later, on June 22nd, Kate and her husband Jon filed for divorce, announced their split that same day in a special edition of “Jon & Kate Plus 8″ — a show that’s become phenomenal worldwide.
How are you doing, Kate?
Good to have you here.
KATE GOSSELIN: I’m good.
Thanks for having me.
KING: You feel good?
KATE: I do.
KING: How are the kids?
KATE: Wonderful, marvelous, gorgeous, lovely.
KING: All right. Now the twins are going to be nine in October.
The sextuplets were five in May.
How much do they know about what’s going on?
The 9-year-olds probably do, right?
KATE: As far as what is going on…
KING: You and Jon and…
KATE: …in our household, they understand the process.
They’re working through it, the same that Jon and I are. They’re doing remarkably well. This has opened up a lot of discussions between them and myself. A lot of questions come my way. And we’re dealing with it. They’re doing very well considering.
KING: Why — why did you agree to do this reality show in the first place?
KATE: In the very beginning, we started filming a one hour special. It was a way to document what was happening in our lives. At that time, there was a lot of local news stories. There were a lot of people in the country and the world, believe it or not, pulling for us.
As you know, sextuplets are not born every day, so there was a lot of interest.
We did the one hour special to show everyone — I always pictured like the little old lady that was sitting at home who was praying for us, rooting for us and needing to know what happened to those babies that were born. And so we did it for that reason, as well as to collect the memories for ourselves.
KING: And little did you think what would happen from that.
KATE: No way of knowing.
KING: Why did you agree to do a regular reality show?
You could have said that’s the special, here’s my life, good-bye.
KATE: I could have. At that point, the one hour special was a very good experience. The network, TLC, we were on Discovery Health at that time. Now, TLC is wonderful, supportive. And it was a great experience for us. So we, you know, really moved forward because of that reason. It was healthy and safe and fun.
KING: Do the kids talk to you about divorce?
KATE: They do. And as any child, you know, when their parents are divorcing, the goal is peace and we’ve achieved that numerous times. The Fourth of July we spent together as a family. And my goal is, no matter what the circumstance, no matter what place, you know, one of us is in, my goal is really peace and the best that it can be for the kids.
KING: Do they get counseling?
KATE: We have not started that process, but I feel like it is a very normal thing to do. And absolutely, when the time is right.
KING: All right. Jon is quoted in the new “Us Weekly”: “I wish I had a 9:00 to 5:00 job instead of the nightmare I’m living. This is 24/7. I don’t even want to do taping the show anymore.”
What’s your reaction to that?
KATE: Jon’s opinions and his goals are his. I know that, personally, for myself and the kids, this has been a good experience.
It continues to be a good experience. And, you know, really the network has been extremely supportive, above and beyond, I feel, what they need to be. And I only experience good things.
Everyone works. Everyone has a job. Everyone has what they’re dealing with. And, generally speaking, this is the most flexible, workable, wonderful job for myself. Remember, the kids are just playing in front of the cameras so.
KING: How long have you been doing it now?
KATE: We are in season five. We started filming in August of 2005.
KING: Why is it such a good thing to have a private life public?
KATE: It’s — it has been a source of huge — for whatever reason — inspiration for a lot of people. Many, many people — many parents feel that their decisions are maybe not great decisions — every parent has that, you know, parent guilt of my goal is to produce wonderful, productive individuals and put them out into society. That is the goal of a parent…
KING: Right. Of course.
KATE: …for us to show the world that we are not perfect, life is unpredictable, but life always goes on and there’s always, always, always something to look forward to. And for me, that is raising my children to the best of my ability.
KING: But as an intelligent person, you also know to all good things, there are down sides.
KATE: Absolutely. With every positive, there is a negative across the board in life. It’s about choosing to see the positive and working with the negative.
KING: So what happens now?
Are you and the kids going to do the show and Jon is out?
KATE: I don’t — I’m not the person to make that decision. I know that myself and the kids will continue the show.
KING: But if Jon says I don’t want to do it anymore, I don’t want to be part of it, I’m divorced, I don’t need this, will the network say it’s you and the kids?
I mean when…
KATE: That would be a question for the network.
KING: Will the name of the show change?
KATE: That would be a question for the network.
KING: And if they said forget it, that would be OK with you?
And if they said we’ll continue, that’s OK with you?
KATE: That will be their decision.
KING: So why are you letting the network run you?
KATE: I’m not letting the network run me. It’s — it’s a thing where we signed up for this.
And do I have my opinions?
Absolutely.
Do I need to discuss them?
Probably not. I know that I am going to — I signed my name to a contract and I am going to do my best to make that work, as long as it is healthy and safe for myself and the kids.
KING: You’ve become famous worldwide over this.
What’s the downside of that?
KATE: You know, I could really live without the — the following.
KING: Attention?
KATE: Yes. I could live my whole life — I would have to say that is absolutely the negative. I realize it comes with it. I know that it goes along with it. I — I’m smart enough to figure out that, you know, there’s interest. It’s going to be interest across the board. It’s another learning lesson.
KING: Do paparazzi follow you around?
KATE: Yes.
KING: You land at an airport, they’re there?
KATE: Yes.
KING: You and Jon renewed your marriage vows a year ago this month in Hawaii.
What happened?
How do you go from renewing vows to filing for divorce in a year?
KATE: It is a question I ask myself every day. I don’t have the answer.
KING: What happened?
KATE: I — I don’t — I don’t know. I — I…
KING: But he did — he made this decision?
KATE: You know, it’s just an issue that we discussed amongst ourselves. I don’t feel like that is something that we need to discuss the details of…
KING: Yes, but when you get so famous, you and him and the kids, and then you leave out those details, don’t you disappoint the audience that’s come to expect more?
KATE: My main concern is my kids. And I don’t want them to see or hear anything on TV that I didn’t discuss with them. And — and we discussed what they need to know at their developmental age groups.
But I don’t feel like I need to go any further than that at this time.
KING: Kate — that’s fine.
Kate said she had no choice but to file for divorce.
What was Jon doing that forced her hand?
We’ll ask after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, COURTESY TLC)
JON GOSSELIN: Kate and I have decided to separate.
K. GOSSELIN: Yes. We have decided that we will separate.
J. GOSSELIN: I try to contemplate and think about it and would it be better for us. It’s just not good for our kids for us to be arguing in front of our kids. And it just — we can’t be cordial with one another and we decided to separate.
K. GOSSELIN: I’m not very fond of the idea, personally, but I know it’s necessary.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: What were your feelings right then?
KATE: That was very hard to say. It was the first time, I think, having a reality show and knowing that something so huge and life-changing had taken place. And we did need to talk about it.
Choosing the correct words and hearing myself say it, it was very hard.
KING: There’s been different reports about who initiated it.
Can you tell us that?
Who — who said let’s separate?
KATE: It’s all in that vault.
KING: Mixed?
KATE: Yes, it’s all in that thing where, you know, it just kind of shook out the way it did. And…
KING: Do you take any responsibility?
KATE: Everyone who is in a divorce or has been is responsible to a degree.
KING: When you filed, though, you issued a statement — and this was public, because the public is interested in you — saying that Jon’s activities had left you no choice but to do so.
What were you talking about?
KATE: I am not at liberty to discuss that because, for the sake of my children, I only speak positive.
KING: But the implication is obvious, isn’t it, Kate?
KATE: There were — there were some details there that I’m
— I can’t share, but that did lead me to do that, yes.
KING: Police came to your home?
KATE: Yes.
KING: That’s always sad with kids around — called by you after an argument. He says you tried to come home when it was his time with the kids and he wouldn’t let you in, accusing you of crying it up with the cops.
Can you tell us what happened, because that’s what he said?
KATE: Well, number one, the tabloid and the whole media mess always makes it worse than it is. Remember that. It actually was not this huge fight. It was just a thing where I wanted to be there with the kids
and — as opposed to a babysitter. And he wasn’t fond of that idea.
And I just had a very rough day. I have good days and bad days.
This day was a rough day. I just wanted to be with the kids if he wasn’t going to be with them. And I did. I did it was not a 911 call.
It was the local routine police phone call.
KING: There was no violence?
KATE: No. No. Just to meet me there just in case things, you know, got ugly. I didn’t want them to get ugly in front of the kids. And the kids were not even around. And I left peaceably, knowing that — it’s true, it was his day to be there and…
KING: How does it work now?
You and Jon switch off going to the same house?
KATE: Yes.
KING: Jon doesn’t take them to his, where he’s living?
KATE: No.
KING: He comes to where you’re living?
How did that happen?
KATE: Because…
KING: I mean usually the — the person who has visitation takes the kids.
KATE: Correct. First of all, we have eight kids and, realistically, to pass them off and move them back and forth is not possible. Second of all, to have two houses that could hold eight kids was financially not possible. We bought that house for the kids. It is the kids’ house. And it is the most stable, normal thing for them to remain there. And I do live there with them. And he does when he has the kids.
KING: And you go where?
KATE: Elsewhere.
KING: I mean for days?
KATE: I do. I have to. That’s the hardest part of all of this.
KING: To leave?
KATE: Yes.
KING: And how does — is the visitation very well handled, I mean the time allotted?
KATE: We did it very peaceably amongst ourselves.
KING: You made your own agreement?
It wasn’t a court?
KATE: No. We did our own custody.
KING: A judge didn’t say he will have three days…
KATE: No.
KING: …you will have?
KATE: No.
KING: Is there a parenting schedule, too?
I mean do you — do you have all of this so worked out with eight, isn’t it hard?
KATE: Yes.
KING: Aren’t there days when two of the six say, no, I don’t want to — I don’t want to — I want to be with you today?
KATE: Whenever either one of us is away, they miss the opposite parent, which is normal. And it is what it is. They are always there. It’s just us that switch off. So it is a very — of all things, it is a very peaceful thing, custody.
KING: How are you so calm and so well within yourself when so much of this is known to people?
KATE: It has increased over four years. It was, you know, a few people knew who we were to the progression of this. I have learned a lot. My true nature is to freak out about everything — everything’s a big drama, everything’s, you know, the end of the world.
And I can honestly say that there is so much on my plate right now that I absolutely cannot react that way to every little thing that comes by — or big thing.
KING: So you’ve forced yourself to hold back what is your natural instinct?
KATE: Yes.
KING: That’s hard, isn’t it?
KATE: It is very hard. And I have my hard days. And I have days where, you know, I don’t always say the right thing or do the right thing or phrase things the way that I should. But generally speaking, my rule of thumb is I want to be positive, I want to look forward and I want the kids to look back on all that they’re going to see of me and know that I did my best.
KING: We reached out to Jon Gosselin. He declined to provide a statement at this time. He has a standing invitation to appear on this show.
And we’ll be back in 60 seconds.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We’re back with Kate Gosselin from “Jon & Kate Plus 8″.
Kate’s moving on — or trying to — during a difficult period.
Here’s a look at her new life raising all of those children alone.
Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. GOSSELIN: This was my first official turn with the kids. It didn’t feel very much different. It just felt more like the future.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: This is my daddy.
K. GOSSELIN: They wanted to camp. And I mean, I agreed. I’m a good sport, you know. I’m trying to be, anyway.
I am now going to set up a tent. Da-da-da!
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Daddy knows how to camp.
K. GOSSELIN: Yes…
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: And daddy knows a…
K. GOSSELIN: And mommy has to learn.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Daddy knows it (INAUDIBLE).
K. GOSSELIN: Perfect.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: And daddy knows everything about this.
K. GOSSELIN: Wow! Well, he’s not here.
At this rate, we’ll have s’mores next week sometime. Please work.
Please work. Please work.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Who’s with the kids now?
KATE: Jon.
KING: Do you think he’s watching?
KATE: I have no idea. He’s probably putting the kids to bed, actually.
KING: Yes, it would be bedtime…
KATE: Yes.
KING: …for them.
Is he a good father?
KATE: He is.
KING: Why the pause?
KATE: His decisions right now are not ones that I would necessarily make.
But down deep in his heart, I know that he is.
KING: You share the same faith?
KATE: Yes.
KING: So they will be raised in that same culture?
KATE: Absolutely.
KING: Do you agree on how school should be handled?
KATE: Yes.
KING: Those are two key things.
KATE: Yes.
KING: So that — that’s a plus.
KATE: There’s a lot we agree on.
KING: What do you disagree on?
KATE: I — I just think it’s more the — the current things.
KING: You mean day to day things?
KATE: Not so much the day to day. I think that I’m looking more toward the future and the decisions of today that affect tomorrow, more so than he is.
KING: Does Kate still think of herself as a married woman?
That’s next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, COURTESY TLC)
K. GOSSELIN: The city meets the wild, wild West.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: It looks like a mountain rock. Ooh.
K. GOSSELIN: I’m the king of the world.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Do another one.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Eat me. Eat me.
K. GOSSELIN: It’s hot, though. Let it cool.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: That was a preview of the next episode of “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” To see more, go to our blog at CNN.com/larryking. And, of course, you can see the entire show on TLC next week.
Do you have a say in what goes on?
KATE: As far as which order?
KING: You know, what — do they decide what goes on or do you say I don’t want that to run?
KATE: As far as editing?
KING: Yes.
KATE: No, they basically have the editing rights. I can, you know, submit my suggestions whenever. And they’re very good about listening to that. But no, I’m not an editor.
KING: Have you ever violently — not violently.
Have you ever really strongly disagreed with something they ran?
KATE: No.
KING: Do you feel married?
KATE: I am not yet divorced officially.
KING: How do you feel, though?
KATE: I don’t know. I’m kind of…
KING: Would you date?
KATE: No. Too busy. Sorry.
KING: Do you think — all right, let’s go on.
Do you think — you’re very attractive, young, do you think you’ll have a problem having eight kids to the prospective suitor?
KATE: I’m not worried about it.
KING: Don’t think about it?
KATE: No.
KING: Don’t you want companionship?
KATE: I’m lonely, but I’m — I’m very busy and, actually, I’m all right.
KING: On the show back in June, Jon talked about why he thought the marriage broke down.
Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. GOSSELIN: I was too passive. And I just let her rule the roost and do whatever she wanted to do and went along with everything. And now I finally stood up on my own two feet and I’m proud of myself.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Want to comment on that?
KATE: I don’t typically comment on our show. You know, that’s his opinion. Everybody has one and…
KING: Do you understand it?
KATE: I do. I do, to a degree that, you know, everybody has a part in a marriage breaking down.
KING: Do you want this show to go on and on and on?
KATE: Currently, I am happy doing the show, as are the kids. And as long as it goes on, it does.
KING: How long is it contracted for?
KATE: We do — we’re doing season five right now.
KING: Is there a season six contracted for?
KATE: Possibly.
KING: You mean you don’t know if there’s a season six?
KATE: There could be or there could not be. I — I hesitate to say that there will be anything because we take each season as we go and reevaluate — is it fine, healthy, acceptable and wonderful.
KING: Nothing’s in stone then?
KATE: Correct.
KING: So are you saying if it went on that would be fine, if it didn’t, life goes on?
KATE: Correct.
KING: OK.
When it ends, as all things do, what do you want to do?
KATE: I can’t say. I’ve got big dreams.
KING: What — what would be — would have been your profession had this show not occurred, other than being mother?
KATE: I would currently still be a nurse — a working nurse.
KING: You miss that?
KATE: The aspect that I miss of nursing is the interaction with my patients. That part, yes, I do miss.
KING: So would you go back to it?
KATE: If I had to, absolutely. I would go back to anything I needed to provide for my children.
KING: Does it hold you in good stead as a parent, your nursing background?
KATE: Absolutely. That’s probably the best benefit of it all. Yes.
KING: Especially if medical problems develop, right?
KATE: Yes. Absolutely.
KING: Are you concerned about Jon?
Would it bug you if he dated?
Suppose he brought a — a date over to the house when he has the children.
KATE: These are all things that everybody who has been or will be or is in the middle of a divorce…
KING: Thinks about.
KATE: …goes through. And it’s just — it’s that, you know me, I have to have control. It’s just a control issue.
KING: You are a control freak?
KATE: I’ve been known to be one, yes.
KING: All right. Control — people who are control freaks put pressure on themselves, don’t they?
I mean they worry about things that don’t even involve them, right
— why is he doing that over there?
Why can’t I stop him from going there, right?
(LAUGHTER)
KING: Doesn’t it drive you a little nuts to be a — wouldn’t you rather not be a control freak?
KATE: There are very good aspects of being a control freak.
I’m very driven. I don’t — I don’t stop. Nothing less than the best.
Keep moving. Keep moving. And I think that’s a great aspect. I enjoy that part of my personality. I persevere. I will not lay down and die.
However, those issues you just mentioned, yes, I’ve had to relax about. And, actually, over this last year or — or, actually, truly, since my six were born, life has been pretty out of control.
KING: Do you think having this show affected the marriage?
KATE: No. No.
KING: Nothing would — it would have been the same…
KATE: Yes.
KING: …had they never been on television?
KATE: Correct.
KING: Had we never known you?
KATE: Correct. Firmly.
KING: How do the older children deal with it?
KATE: The process?
KING: Yes.
KATE: They’re doing very well. It’s — it’s a lot of…
KING: They’re how old?
KATE: Eight, almost nine. Obviously, again, this is not an ideal situation. Nobody goes into a marriage or has kids, you know, planning a divorce. It’s not what I consider success, really. I’m not a quitter, so this is difficult to me, because this feels like something that, you know, possibly was not in my plans.
But they’re doing very well considering. They’re great kids.
KING: Do you have help?
KATE: We do. We do.
KING: You need that?
KATE: Yes.
KING: No one could — this would be inhuman to do eight kids, right?
KATE: I — I did it for a long time. For the last year, we’ve had very steady help. And it’s necessary — whatever the kids need. And that is necessary to have — I mean my goodness, six 5-year-olds could dismantle your house in an hour if you didn’t know where they all were.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: I would say.
Thanks, Kate.
KATE: Thank you very much, Larry.
KING: Good luck.
You’re back next week, right?
KATE: Oh, I am?
KING: Well, no. Not you’re back here. You’re on the air next — if you want to come back, come back. You want to host this show, take over. But I mean…
KATE: I’ll do it.
KING: I mean the show is on, actually.
KATE: Yes. We are.
KING: Thanks, dear.
KATE: Thank you.
# # #
