Top 55 TV Programs for Sept. 6-12, 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. 6:
(NOTE: Times are CST. For EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 6, 2009
◊“2009 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon” (8 p.m. Sunday to 5:30 p.m. Monday on CBS): MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis will be joined on stage by cohosts Jann Carl, Nancy O’Dell, Alison Sweeney, Ace Young and Billy Gilman. The 44th annual event will feature interviews with adults and children with muscular dystrophy and related diseases; medical and scientific research updates; and performances by entertainers, including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Tony Orlando, Charo, Wynonna, Train, Bo Bice, Terry Fator and Lee Greenwood.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): As the team intensifies their quest to find the person behind the 2005 slaying of a female cadet, Rush relives painful memories of when she forged her own difficult path as the first female homicide detective in the Philadelphia Police Department. Joe Penny (”Jake and the Fatman”) and Jessica Tuck (”Judging Amy”) guest star.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): It’s Halloween aboard the Antares and the forces of darkness are revealed in more ways than one, as feverish hallucinations jeopardize the lives of the crew just as they’re about to embark on a promotional event for which the whole world is waiting.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): The parent movie of the NBC series came out in 2004 and stars Billy Bob Thornton as the coach determined to make his high school football team the best it can be. Lucas Black, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw and Connie Britton co-star.
◊“HGTV Design Star” (9 p.m. on HGTV): The three remaining designers face off as they decorate a home office for Kathy Griffin, a guest bedroom for Tiffani Thiessen and a baby nursery for Jason Priestley. With 30 hours of work time and a budget of $20,000, only two designers will survive to compete for a 50-50 chance at winning their own show on HGTV.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The worlds of no-rules boxing, Oxford dons and Cold War intrigue surround the death of a prominent don in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Music to Die For.”
◊“Nick News: $tre$$ed Out! The Economic Crisis and You” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Host Linda Ellerbee and psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere listen to a group of children from across the country who represent the spectrum of economic struggles many families face today. They also offer coping strategies to get through this difficult time.
◊“Ruby” (7 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 concludes Ruby Gettinger visiting a teen weight-loss camp in the Poconos. She goes to share her story and to inspire the campers, but in the end, the young campers inspire her.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): Three of the Sharks go in on a deal together for an innovative internet company with two brothers from Brazil. But just before the deal is sealed, a battle ensues and one of the Sharks is ousted.
◊“Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This new two-part documentary tells the story of the Federal Writer’s Project of the 1930s, which was one of four arts programs under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
◊“SportsCenter” (10:30 p.m. on ESPN): Mixed into the sports news of the day will be a variety of segments celebrating ESPN’s 30th anniversary. Chris Berman, Bob Ley and John Saunders will host the 90-minute special edition that includes a look back at great moments in sports over three decades and the trio’s careers at ESPN.
◊“Too Fat for 15″ (8 p.m. on Style Network): This documentary follows Georgia Davis, 15, on her quest to lose hundreds of pounds at Wellspring Academy. She spent nine months in the weight loss program where she lost more than 200 pounds, learned how to live a healthy life and turn her life around.
MONDAY, SEPT. 7, 2009
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs investigate the case of a man boiled alive, Julia spirals out of control, and one of the team’s darkest secrets comes to light. Elizabeth Berkley (”The L Word”) guest stars.
◊“Dance Your A– Off Reunion” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): This reunion special is a celebration of the transformation made by the 12 contestants who starred in the network’s first dance/weight-loss competition series. It will catch up with the contestants to see how they have changed, physically and emotionally, since they shook and rattled their rolls away.
◊“Dinosaur Train” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): This new animated preschool series follows Buddy, a preschool age Tyrannosaurus Rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family on their adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs, creatures and reptiles. Young viewers will join the travelers on a fantastical journey through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they learn how to compare and contrast different dinosaurs.
◊“Durham County” (9 p.m. on ION): In this dark Canadian import, Hugh Dillon (”Flashpoint”) stars as Mike Sweeney, a police detective who moves his wife (Helene Joy), a cancer survivor, and their two daughters to the suburbs, where he encounters his former high school nemesis Ray Prager (Justin Louis).
◊“The Electric Company” (4:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This season, the series expands from Fridays to weekdays, giving young viewers a daily dose of literacy superheroes and wily pranksters. Series stars Hector, Jessica, Lisa and Keith outwit their scheming neighborhood prankster-counterparts in a way that reinforces strong literacy skills and teaches kids that reading isn’t just for school—reading is cool.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): When the fathers of ZBZ House members arrive for the Daddy/Daughter weekend, they wind up getting pulled into an explosive sisterhood fight. Tom Amandes (”Everwood”) and Kadeem Hardison (”A Different World”) guest star.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a penny stamp that may be connected to a landmark civil rights case and meta sheets that look like printing plates for Billy Strayhorn’s “Take the A Train” performed by Duke Ellington.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted breaks Barney and Marshall’s “three days rule” by having a “text” relationship with a girl he just met, they play a cruel joke on him by pretending to be her. Rebecca Budig (”All My Children”) guest stars.
◊“The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary focuses on the final months of a General Motors assembly plant in Moraine, Ohio, which shut its doors on Dec. 23, 2008. The employees share poignant moments, such as the day every worker must remove his or her toolbox and give up their GM ID card. The special closes with footage of the actual “last truck” to be produced at Moraine Assembly.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent ” (7 p.m. on NBC): A hunky posterboy with a million-dollar torso has what others crave: sex appeal. When he shows up dead after a night of sex and drugs with an elusive woman, detectives Goren and Eames uncover the sexual paranoia behind the murder.
◊“Manson” (8 p.m. on History): This two-hour special chronicles the nine months leading up to “Helter Skelter,” as cult leader Charles Manson dubbed his 1969 crime spree in which his young followers committed one of the most horrific mass murders in American history, with pregnant actress Sharon Tate among the victims. Cult member Linda Kasabian, later the star witness for the prosecution, provides an insider’s perspective on the nightmarish event.
◊“Paint Over” (3 p.m. on HGTV): Jennifer Bertrand, the Season 3 champion of “HGTV Design Star,” will reprise her role as host and designer for this five-part series airing today through Friday. She will use her design and paint skills to makeover two rooms for a homeowner who is going through a personal life transition.
“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Anson Williams (“Happy Days”) directed this mid-season finale, in which Anne goes into labor and may not make it to the hospital in time.
“The Water Project: Bahrain” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary examines the shortage of natural water resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain caused by overdevelopment and dredging. The cost, obstacles and debates over how to solve this shortage are explored by interviewing water plant workers and everyday Bahrainis.
“Were the World Mine” (8 p.m. on Logo): This new interpretation of the classic Shakespeare comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” tells the story of Timothy, a bullied gay student at an all-boy private high school struggling to fit in with his peers while helping his mother accept his sexuality. Timothy is cast as “Puck” in the school’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” allowing him to get closer to his crush Jonathan, a straight jock who is cast as one of the play’s lead roles.
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): A new addition for Season 8 is “Tournament of Ten,” which will feature the 10 best contestants playing to win the show’s top prize of $1-million. Players earning a spot for the tournament will be seeded, based on how much money they won and how quickly they answered their questions.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 2009
◊“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Summer school is out at West Beverly High School, and the students hit the Beverl Hills Beach Club. Trevor Donovan (“Days of Our Lives”) guest stars.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (7 p.m. on NBC): The votes are in and four acts from the previous night move on to the finals for a chance at the $1 million prize and becoming the most talented person in America.
◊“Celebrity Rides: Jay’s Duesenberg” (8 p.m. on DIY): This six-part series provides an in-depth look at the restoration of Jay Leno’s famed “Last Duesenberg.”
◊“Chopped” (9 p.m. on Food Network): In the first installment of a special four-part series, previous episode winners return to compete again.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): A former client and undercover narc for the FBI calls on William to save his drug-addicted girlfriend, who happens to be the daughter of a powerful Mexican drug dealer. William finds himself in over his head, though, when dealers threaten his family and team as they look for a cache of drugs stolen by the former client.
◊“Curious George,” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): Season 4 of the Emmy Award-winning series finds America’s Favorite Little Monkey introducing preschoolers to the concepts of health and fitness and welcoming a brand new character, Allie Whoops, as his newest partner in curiosity.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): The chefs are invited to show off their international flair when both teams are asked to create crepes. While the winning team enjoys an afternoon at a French restaurant, the losing team faces a setback when one of their own is injured during preparations for dinner service.
◊“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): The 1992-99 Fox nighttime soap opera gets a reboot on a new network, with Laura Leighton reprising her original role as Sydney Andrews, who now is the landlady of the titular Spanish-style Los Angeles apartment building. Original cast member Thomas Calabro also reprises his role as Dr. Michael Mancini.
◊“POV” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new documentary “The English Surgeon,” celebrated neurosurgeon Dr. Henry Marsh faces obstacles and archaic medical conditions in the Ukraine as he treats desperate patients.
◊“Shaq VS” (8 p.m. on ABC): NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will challenge championship fighter Oscar de la Hoya to a five-round heavy-hitting matchup exhibition. Leading up to the challenge, Shaq will get boxing tips and be coached by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, while Oscar “The Golden Boy” de la Hoya gets trained by “the Executioner” Bernard Hopkins for this contest between speed and power.
◊“Sons of Anarchy” (8 p.m. on FX): With the motorcycle club divided in the wake of Donna’s death, Clay sets up a new gun deal with the IRA. Meanwhile, a white separatist group takes root in Charming. Adam Arkin and Henry Rollins join the cast.
◊“Starz Inside: Comics on Screen” (9 p.m. on Starz): Thsi new special explores how many comedians transitioned from stand-up to the big screen. Those interviewed include George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, Tim Allen, Dane Cook, Rosie O’Donnell, Andrew Dice Clay, Frank Caliendo, Tom Arnold, Judah Friedlander, and actor/director Harold Ramis.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): “Today’s Search for the Lost Symbol” is a weeklong countdown to the release of bestselling author Dan Brown’s new novel “The Lost Symbol.” The segment concludes with host Matt Lauer’s interview with Brown on Sept. 15.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Meghan McCain, daughter of former GOP presidential candidate John McCain, is this week’s featured guest co-host. She is sitting in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is currently on maternity leave and is scheduled to return to the show in mid-October.
◊“Yellowstone: Land to Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmed over two years through all seasons, this film presents a lyrical interpretation of the sweeping geologic story of the famous national park.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): Season 13 will features contestants all 5-foot-7 and under. Guest judges this season include Chanel Iman, Lauren Conrad, Jaime Rishar, China Chow, Josie Maran, Jessica White, Kim Kardashian, Kirsty Hume, Marisa Miller and Ann Shoket. The winner will receive a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a contract with Wilhelmina Models and a cover and six-page spread in Seventeen Magazine.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Melina Kanakaredes (Stella) wrote this episode in which Stella discovers that New Yorkers are being murdered over ancient Greek artifacts. She hands over her badge to follow a clue that leads to Greece and, together with Mac, she uncovers one of the greatest mysteries in history.
◊“The Day Before” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This four-part series goes behind-the-scenes in the final hours leading up to major fashion shows — Sonia Rykiel (today), Proenza Schouler (Thursday), Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld (Friday) and Joean Paul Gaultier (Saturday).
◊“Destination Truth” (9 p.m. on Syfy): World traveler and intrepid explorer Josh Gates will return to host nine all-new episodes – each an off-the-map adventure in search of the answers to some of the world’s most intriguing unexplained mysteries.
◊“Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Al Roker (”Today”), Deborah Roberts (Al Roker’s wife) and Elmo (”Sesame Street”) hosts this special that aims to help families with children, ages two to eight, experiencing difficult economic circumstances by offering strategies and tips that can lead to positive outcomes for their children’s physical and emotional well-being during this tough economic climate.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): The Glee Club performs in front of the school for the first time and pushes their performance to the limits. When Quinn realizes Rachel’s realizes her feelings for Finn, she goes to great lengths to keep her man.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Detective Stabler’s daughter is called in to help when a teenager is brutally beaten after her nude photos are spread throughout her high school.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): In the summer finale, the Leverage team helps the director of a charity get her rightful benefit. Jeri Ryan (”Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars as Tara, a grifter who helps out the team.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine’s plan to prove that she’s comfortable with Richard’s remarriage backfires when the date she’s supposedly “in love with” acts obnoxiously at the rehearsal dinner, and Matthew hooks up with New Christine’s sister. Lee Tergesen (”Oz) guest stars.
◊“Nostradamus Effect” (8 p.m. on History): This new series examines the most chilling prophecies of Nostradamus. The premiere episode “The Third Anti-Christ” explores how believers in the writings of Nostradamus think Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler were two of the Antichrists he predicted. Those same believers now are searching for evidence that the third is already here.
◊“Playbooks & Profits: Inside the NFL” (7 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell reports live from Pittsburgh, the site of the NFL season opener, taking viewers inside America’s most popular and profitable game with the sport’s most powerful insiders.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): It’s time to pop, lock and drop in to Season 6 of the dance show featuring new contestants and the best and worst of auditions. The first audition stop is Los Angeles.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Meghan McCain, daughter of former GOP presidential candidate John McCain, is this week’s featured guest co-host. She is sitting in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is currently on maternity leave and is scheduled to return to the show in mid-October.
◊“Your Life, Your Money” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Donald Faison (“Scrubs”) hosts this special that presents a broad range of fundamental financial information for young adults — from basic banking to credit debt.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2009
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Ryan O’ Neill and Alana Stewart are joined by Farah’s oncologist, Dr. Lawrence Piro, to discuss Farah’s courageous battle against anal cancer, her final hours, and the pivotal role of caregiver that Farah’s life-partner Ryan and best friend Alana assumed during Farah’s illness.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): In a rebroadcast of the first season finale. Viewers find out more about the mysterious events surrounding the elusive William Bell (Leonard Nimoy, “Star Trek”). Season 2 premieres Sept. 17.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): As preparations continue for Meredith and Derek’s wedding, Izzie receives a surprise hospital visit from her handful-of-a-mother, Robbie (Sharon Lawrence, “NYPD Blue”).
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Season 6 opens with Dean and Sam watching as the Devil (Mark Pellegrino, “Lost”) emerges from Hell.
“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): This series is adapted from L.J. Smith’s popular book series about a pair of vampire brothers, one good (Paul Wesley, “Fallen”), one evil (Ian Somerhalder, ‘‘Lost”), as they battle for the soul of a beautiful teenage girl (Nina Dobrev, “Degrassi: The Next Generation”) who recently lost both her parents in a car accident.
◊“Wicked Attraction” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): When teenagers Sarah Edmondson and Ben Barras meet in an Oklahoma commune, a tragic relationship is formed. Together, the two are a violent duo that travels across the country killing anyone in their path. The trail foes cold for nearly a year until the two start to brag about their exploits and investigators catch wind.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” (7 p.m. on Fox): Astrophysicist, cosmologist and Nobel Prize winner George F. Smoot III competes for $1 million by testing his elementary school knowledge in subjects ranging from art to geography and math to social studies.
◊“Freedom Songs: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special documents how a few daring musical innovators stood at the vortex of two revolutions — one cultural, the other musical — and forever changed America and the world.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk’s phobias threaten to undermine a big murder case when an aggressive defence attorney targets the detective’s unconventional methods in court. Jay Mohr (“Gary Unmarried”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a string of copycat bank robberies and zero in on disgraced FBI Agent Roger Bloom (Henry Winkler, “Happy Days”) as a suspect when they discover he has been studying the files of some of the original bank heists.
◊“Southland” (7 p.m. on NBC): The day takes a turn for the worse when officers find a member of Marta’s Avenue gang dead in a trunk outside Dodger Stadium.
◊“20/20″ (9 p.m. on ABC): In the season premiere, La Toya Jackson, who signed Michael Jackson’s death certificate, will discuss her close relationship with her brother and reveal why she believes he was murdered. The no-holds-barred interview with Barbra Walters will cover topics including her impressions of Michael’s children and her insight into the Jackson family.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): The sudden death of a Mode editor leaves Betty and Marc competing for the same job. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina demands that Claire tender her resignation at a big awards ceremony. Christopher Gorham (”Harper’s Island”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 2009
◊“Adoption Diaries” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Each episode of this new series follows a different compelling story from the beginning stages, as a birth mother is faced with the daunting task of choosing her baby’s future family. Viewers follow along as a couple is selected and hear their own unique story, many of which include years of roller coaster emotions surrounding their infertility, the decision to adopt and the overall process itself.
◊“America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 23 premiere, host John Walsh tells the story of an incredibly brave girl who survived a vicious, near fatal attack and who as an adult, still waits for her attacker to be taken off the streets.
◊“Citizen Jane” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Ally Sheedy (“Noise”), and Meat Loaf (“Fight Club”) star on this true story of the lone woman who refused to let a killer escape.
◊“Cops” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the season premiere, an elderly couple leads officers on a dirt road car chase that ends in serious injuries.
◊“Lightning Strikes” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules”) stars in this new original movie about a creature that rides lightning bolts to earth and attacks a small town.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Enid native Troy Dunn continues his 19-year personal mission to reunite loved ones and reconnect lives. In Season 3, he helps New Orleans Saints football player Paul Spicer search for the father he has never known, a recovering-alcoholic father search for the daughter he was kept away from and a terminally ill cancer patient search for her father. There are many different outcomes, but at the end of every episode, there will be a much-needed discovery for the people wanting to find a missing piece of their history.
◊“My Nanny’s Secret” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Haylie Duff (”7th Heaven”) stars in this new movie about a home invasion robbery that ends in tragedy when a member of the wealthy Tyrell family is killed. The family’s live-in nanny begins to secretly suspect that her troubled brother may be the murderer, but she is unwilling to share her suspicions until she is certain.
◊“Reel Impact: The Last Beekeeper” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): This special follows the lives of three commercial beekeepers over a year-long period as they struggle to come to terms with a worldwide shrinking of bee populations. The phenomenon threatens crops and the food supply, as well as the livelihoods of beekeepers.
◊“Robin Hood” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Season three kicks off when Robin and his gang of outlaws return from the Holy Land. But now that he’s back, Robin wastes no time – Marian’s murderer, Guy of Gisborne (Armitage), is a marked man. Robin immediately breaks with his followers, and races to Locksley Manor to avenge her death.
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): The animated show, which came and quickly went, will burn-off its nine remaining episodes. Upcoming talk/variety hour “The Wanda Sykes Show” will inherit the time period on Nov. 7.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Viewers ask if they can afford a tornado shelter. Also an aspiring actress digs deep to find out how she got into over $30,000 of debt.
–Penny TV
Top 20 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Aug. 23-29, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 20 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Aug. 23.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
GUEST STARS
••Dylan Baker (”Kings”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA.
••Michael Biehn (”Aliens”) on “Dark Blue,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Bruno Campos (”Nip/Tuck”) on “Royal Pains,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA.
••Loretta Devine (”Boston Public”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Griffin Dunne (”Trust Me”) on “Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Brendan Fehr (”Rowell”) on “Bones,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Rick Fox (fomer Boston Celtics player) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Jennie Garth (”90210″) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Hanson (Tulsa-based rock band) on “Talkshow With Spike Feresten,” 11 p.m. Saturday on Fox.
••Ken Howard (”The White Shadow”) on “Cold Case,” 8:59 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Bernie Kopell (”The Love Boat”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA.
••Jane Lynch (”Glee”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Samantha Mathis (”A Stranger’s Heart”) on “Royal Pains,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA.
••Meat Loaf (”Fight Club”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Martin Mull (”Roseanne”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Kathy Najimy (”Sister Act”) on “Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime.
••Deborah Norville (”Inside Edition”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Teri Polo (”The Wedding Bells”) on “Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime.
••Lauren Prepon (”That ’70s Show”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Bob Saget (”Surviving Suburbia”) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Henry Thomas (”ET”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 7:59 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Rip Torn (”The Lyon’s Den”) on “30 Rock,” 7 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh (Olympic gold medalists) on “Shaq VS,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Robin Weigert (”Deadwood”) on “The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E.
••Wil Wheaton (”Star Trek: The Next Generation”) on “Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Kathleen Wilhoite (”Gilmore Girls”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Serena Williams (Wimbledon tennis champion) on “Shaq VS,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured Above: Brooke Elliott and Kathy Najimy star in the spirited new comedic drama “Drop Dead Diva” (Lifetime Photo)
TV Premieres and Finales airing Aug. 23-29
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Aug. 23.
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
••“What Would Brian Boitano Make?” Noon Sunday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Where is Warehouse Mouse?” 7:25 a.m. Monday on Disney (series premiere).
••“The Fresh Beat Band,” 11 a.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Out of Egypt,” 8 p.m. Monday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“The $ports Take,” 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on Versus (series premiere).
••“The Rachel Zoe Project,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (second-season premiere).
••“Crash Course,” 8:02 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Marked,” 8 p.m. Thursday on History (series premiere).
••“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory,” 8 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season premiere).
••“Bully Beatdown,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season premiere).
••“Nitro Circus,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season premiere).
••“Pranked,” 9:30 p.m. Thursday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Mayweather/Marquez 24/7,” 9:15 p.m. Saturday on HBO (season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Great American Road Trip,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC (series finale).
••“The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT (summer finale).
••“Dating in the Dark,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Make It or Break It,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (mid-season finale).
••“Raising the Bar,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (summer finale).
••“Nurse Jackie,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Showtime (first-season finale).
••“The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (second-season finale).
••“Bad Girls,” 7:30 p.m. Wednedsay on Logo (seventh-season finale).
••“Royal Pains,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured Above: THE FRESH BEAT BAND– Pictured: (l-r) Twist (in yellow, Jon Beavers), Kiki (on guitar, Yvette Gonzalez), Shout (orange sweater, Thomas Hobson), Marina (drums, Shayna Rose) in THE FRESH BEAT BAND on Nickelodeon (Photo: Randee St. Nicholas/Nickelodeon)
Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 23-29, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Aug. 23:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, AUG. 23, 2009
◊“Cold Case” (8:59 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the 1958 murder case of a newlywed Ivy League graduate who spearheaded the lucrative concept of developing suburban communities with affordable housing outside of Philadelphia. Ken Howard (”The White Shadow”) and Constance Towers (”General Hospital”) guest star.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): It’s a humbling moment for the crew of the spaceship, as each of them deals with a personal point of no return. The Antares itself crosses a critical boundary when going back to Earth is no longer an option.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Jane represents a woman whose daughter begins to get sick after following a diet guru’s “EZ Thin Plan.” Kathy Najimy (”Sister Act”) and Teri Polo (”The Wedding Bells”) guest star.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): On his first day at his new job with a management company, Eric butts heads with one of the managers over who can close Bob Saget as a client.
◊“Fearless Planet: Great Barrier Reef” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): A team of marine biologists and geologists investigate the clues of how the Great Barrier Reef was born, what makes it thrive and how it may disappear within our lifetime.
◊“Life After Film School” (6:30 p.m. on Fox Movie Channel): Film students interview Phil Traill, director of the 20TH Century Fox release “All About Steve” that stars Sandra Bullock as an eccentric crossword puzzler convinced that a news cameraman is her true love. The movie opens in theaters Sept. 4.
◊“Miss Universe 2009″ (8 p.m. on NBC): Billy Bush (”Access Hollywood”) and Claudia Jordan (”Celebrity Apprentice”) co-host the 58th annual event airing live from the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas. Artists Flo Rida, Heidi Montag, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland will perform during the telecast, which will conclude with Venezuelan native Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, crowning her successor.
◊“Patton Oswalt: My Weakness Is Strong” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): In this new stand-up special, Patton Oswalt (”King of Queens”) spins drab topics like depression and weight into laugh-out-loud anecdotes.
◊“Stories from the Vaults” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Host Tom Cavanagh (”Trust Me”) explores the crime “scene” in the Smithsonian’s vaults, including photographic evidence from the Crime of the Century.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Angela Lansbury is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1955’s “A Lawless Street” (8:30 a.m.), 1944’s “Gaslight” (7 p.m.) and 1978’s “Death on the Nile” (10:30 p.m.).
◊“What Would Brian Boitano Make?” (Noon on Food Network): In this new daytime series, Olympic figure skater Brian Boitano demonstrates his culinary skills and talent for one-of-a-kind entertaining.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the final installment of a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, host Regis Philbin receives a visit from Nancy Christie of Tulsa. She was the show’s first woman to win $1 million.
MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009
◊“Burn on the Bayou” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows a group of volunteers over the seven months of work following Hurricane Katrina. The volunteers, who came from the Burning Man event in the Nevada desert, converged in Biloxi and Pearlington, Miss. had in common the shared experience of collaborating and building in harsh environments and the strongly held belief that when people need help, you help them first, and ask questions later.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Kevin Bacon (husband of series star Kyra Sedgwick) directed this episode in which Brenda and the squad investigate the stabbing death of a woman who was apparently killed by someone wearing a Ninja outfit. Xander Berkeley (”24″) and Barry Corbin (”One Tree Hill”) guest star in the summer finale, which is preceded by an 11-hour marathon of the show’s Season 5 episodes beginning at 9 a.m.
◊“Dating in the Dark” (8 p.m. on ABC): A former FBI profiler helps six new singles with finding love in the dark on the show’s Season 1 finale.
◊“The Fresh Beat Band” (11 a.m. on Nickelodeon): This new live-action music comedy series for preschoolers centers on four best friends in a band who attend music school. Children and their parents can sing and laugh along with The Fresh Beats as they tackle daily adventures in each episode.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a miniature painting that may depict President George Washington and a balloon scrap that may be a missing piece of a secret weapon.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Lily and Marshall hear that Ted’s college girlfriend, Karen, has moved to New York City, they finally reveal how much they hated her back then. Lauren Prepon (”That ’70s Show”) guest stars as Karen.
◊“Kamp Katrina” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary set in post-Katrina New Orleans follows a small group of people who have taken refuge in a garden transformed into a tent city. Their self-made tent community is in the backyard of Ms. Pearl, a 56 year old Upper 9th Ward resident and Native American, who ends up playing the role of bouncer, psychologist, nurse, mother, domestic abuse counselor and housing advocate.
◊“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): All of the girls’ hard work is put on the line as they compete in Boston for a spot on the National Gymnastics team. Leading up to the mid-season finale, viewers can catch up on all of the show’s drama, dismounts and deceptions with a nine-hour marathon beginning at 10 a.m.
◊“Out of Egypt” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Join Dr. Kara Cooney, UCLA Professor of Egyptian Art and Architecture, as she bolts the lecture hall for tombs and temples around the world to bring a new perspective to the most fascinating riddles in history. In the premiere episode titled “Pyramids,” she takes a closer look at these iconic monuments.
◊“The Rachel Zoe Project” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The second installment of this fashion-forward drama delves further into the inner workings of Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe and her team as they jet from coast to coast throwing charity auctions, attending store openings and laboring to find the perfect gowns to adorn the red carpet during award season. The new season includes some of the world’s most influential and respected designers including Giorgio Armani, John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, Giambattista Valli, Diane Von Furstenberg and Matthew Williamson.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the summer finale, Jerry takes over one of Bobbi’s clients, a pregnant woman who is addicted to heroin. Michelle is determined to do everything she can to keep her in jail so she doesn’t continue shooting up with a baby in her womb.
◊“The Soup Presents: The Best Clips of ‘09 So Far” (9 p.m. on E!): This special counts down 20 of this year’s most outrageous television clips that range from “American Idol” to “The Bachelorette.”
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Fredric March is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1949’s “Christopher Columbus” (2:30 p.m.), 1935’s “Les Miserables” (7 p.m.) and 1935’s “Anna Karenina” (10:45 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy Clarkson tests the new Porsche Cayman S. Soccer player Ian Wright makes a guest appearance as “the star in the reasonably priced car.”
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Series star Jon Cryer (Alan) directed this episode, in which Charlie reluctantly agrees to let Chelsea move in as he mourns the loss of his bachelor pad.
◊“Where is Warehouse Mouse?” (7:25 a.m. on Disney): This new short-form series stars the puppet character from the Playhouse Disney series “Imagination Movers.” It spotlights Warehouse Mouse as he tries his hand at creative problem solving like his mentors.
◊“Which Way Home” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary follows several unaccompanied child migrants as they journey through Mexico en route to the U.S. on a freight train called “The Beast.” Each year, thousands of Latin American migrants travel hundreds of miles to the United States, and roughly five percent of those traveling alone are children.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (5 p.m. on Disney): Series star Selena Gomez (Alex Russo) introduces her favorite episodes of the show in this 2-hour marathon.
TUESDAY, AUG. 25, 2009
◊“10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): When Bianca gets asked to Padua High’s Fall Fling by Beau Bradley, the captain of the soccer team, she sets out to convince Patrick to take Kat to the dance since their father has prohibited Bianca from dating until Kat does.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): While William watches his daughter Lula rehearse for a ballet recital, he begins to suspect that the star ballerina is addicted to drugs.
◊“Nova ScienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Topics explored include the repair mission for the Hubble space telescope, studies on the brain of an epileptic and using new data from the Mississippi riverbed to understand how and why earthquakes strike in the heartland.
◊“Shaq VS” (8 p.m. on ABC): NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will challenge women’s beach volleyball gold medal Olympians Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh to a 2-on-2 match at the Hermosa Beach volleyball courts in California. Shaq will visit and train with his friend, Serena Williams, to understand the psyche of female athletes and prepare himself for the final volleyball challenge that will not have a handicap and will be played straight up to the finish.
◊“The $ports Take” (5:30 p.m. on Versus): This new series hosted by Rick Horrow (”The Sports Professor”) will offer insight about the hottest topics in sports business and will feature high-profile guests, including league commissioners, sportscasters, politicians and celebrities giving their candid opinions and analysis. The premiere episode features in-depth insight from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Bryan Trubey, key architect on the new 100,000-seat Cowboys Stadium.
◊“Starz Inside: Villainz” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special investigates the psychology behind classic villains and the often startlingly simple way in which they grind on the audience’s nerves while playing on their fears. Among those interviewed are James Cromwell (”Spider-Man 3″), Kristanna Loken (”Painkiller Jane”), Malcolm McDowell (”Heroes”) and Daryl Hannah (”Kill Bill”).
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Merle Oberon is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1948’s “Berlin Express” (5:30 p.m.), 1938’s “The Divorce of Lady X” (10:30 p.m.) and 1939’s “The Lion Has Wings” (midnight).
◊“The Universe” (8 p.m. on History): This installment titled “The Day the Moon Was Gone” examines the effects on Earth without the moon. If the moon disappeared, solar gravity would redirect ocean water, causing flooding in coastal spots around the globe. Sea currents would shift, resulting in freakish weather patterns. And Earth’s axis would begin to fluctuate, causing climate change to grow more extreme.
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Pete and Myka are dispatched to Las Vegas to retrieve an artifact that seems to grant good fortune to a couple of gamblers. But their mission gets complicated when Myka becomes trapped in Lewis Carrol’s mirror.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (5 p.m. on Disney): Series star Jake T. Austin (Max Russo) introduces his favorite episodes of the show in this 2-hour marathon.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26, 2009
◊“Bad Girls” (7:30 p.m. on Logo): In the Season 7 finale, newcomer Miranda Miles joins G-wing. Julie J also returns to Larkhall still seeing ghosts of Jim.
◊“Billionaire Crime Scenes: Was It Murder?” (9 p.m. on E!): This special takes viewers behind the scenes of real life crimes of passion, revenge and greed to reveal the disturbing details of several billionaire murders and find out find out if justice was ultimately served.
◊“Crash Course” (8:02 p.m. on ABC): Orlando Jones (”Drumline”) and Dan Cortese (”Surviving Suburbia”) co-host this new automotive competition reality series. Each week, five teams of two will compete against each other for a chance to win $50,000. The show will put the couples’ navigating skills to the test and test drive their relationships and patience.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Reid embarks on his own investigation into the murder of a young boy years earlier in Las Vegas that he strongly believes has a connection to his own childhood. Jane Lynch (”Glee”) guest stars as Dr. Reid’s mother, Diana Reid.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Melina Kanakaredes (Stella) wrote this episode in which Stella discovers that New Yorkers are being murdered over ancient Greek artifacts. She hands over her badge to follow a clue that leads to Greece and, together with Mac, she uncovers one of the greatest mysteries in history.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Carter taps into his collection of friends in low places to target a highly decorated, extremely corrupt cop. But working to bring down a fellow officer weighs heavily on Ty, especially after his wife drops a bombshell in his lap. Michael Biehn (”Aliens”) guest stars.
◊“Dinner: Impossible” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Host Robert Irvine heads to Six Flags Great America in Chicago to prepare a meal for 250 roller coaster fanatics. He has nine hours to create a menu using foods found only in the restaurants and stands within the park.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The team investigates two historic locales: Maryland’s Samuel Mudd House that is famous for being a pit stop for John Wilkes Booth on his escape route following Lincoln’s assassination and Virginia’s Edgewood Plantation that is the former home of U.S. Presidents William Henry and Benjamin Harrison.
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 90-minute documentary “Harlem in Montmartre” tells the story of the jazz age in Paris between the first and second World Wars, exploring an often neglected era in black cultural history.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): The team is forced to go head-to-head against another crew of thieves in order to retrieve their clients’ priceless artwork. Wil Wheaton (”Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and Griffin Dunne (”Trust Me”) guest star.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After one too many cheap shots on her by the mean moms at Ritchie’s snotty private school, Christine decides to enroll him in public school — which is not as easy as she anticipated. Kathleen Wilhoite (”Gilmore Girls”) guest stars as a down-to-earth mom at the new school.
◊“Operation Valkyrie” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): Produced in collaboration with the official German Foundation dedicated to the memory of the conspirators, this special features testimonials and eyewitness accounts from all the aristocratic families involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler on Juloy 20, 1944.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Yul Brynner is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1967’s “Triple Cross” (2:30 p.m.), 1956’s “The King and I” (7 p.m.) and 1973’s “Westworld” (11:45 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (5 p.m. on Disney): Series star Jennifer Stone (Harper) introduces her favorite episodes of the show in this 2-hour marathon.
THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 2009
◊“Bully Beatdown” (8:30 p.m. on MTV): Pro MMA fighter Jason “Mayhem” Miller is back for Season 2 of the show where bullies and their victims are brought together for the ultimate showdown. The bully is put up against a stronger person and challenged to withstand two rounds of fighting. There is $10,000 of prize money on the table, and all money lost by the bully is given to the victim.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Catherine revisits one of the very first cases she worked as a CSI when the convicted felon in the murder (Henry Thomas, “ET”) claims the verdict was based on faulty evidence.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): After learning at a deposition that more of his patients have died than survived, Derek decides to quit, even as Meredith refuses to give up on him. Meanwhile Bailey and the Chief continue to bicker over her peds fellowship — until Adele (Loretta Devine, “Boston Public”) steps in to mediate.
◊“Guys ‘N Divas” Battle of the High School Musicals” (7:30 p.m. on Showtime): This documentary follows the drama, both on stage and off, at Indiana’s Floyd Central High School, New Albany High School and Jeffersonville High School as each school spends tens of thousands of dollars on musical productions in order to compete for admission to the prestigious International Thespian Festival.
◊“The Kennedy Brothers: A Hardball Documentary” (6 p.m. on MSNBC): Chris Matthews (“Hardball”) reports on the Kennedy brothers’ legacy. He sits down with key Kennedy insiders, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, biographer Peter Canellos and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, to gain privileged access to their opinions on this enigmatic family.
◊“Marked” (8 p.m. on History): This new series will explore the world of tattoos belonging to the intense modern day tribes that operate at the edges of society, including motorcycle clubs, hardcore prisons, urban gangs and street culture. Tattoo artists, members and cultural experts will explain the technique and history behind the ink and the group it adorns, putting the personal experiences of the show’s main characters into perspective.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): Season 2 continues to center around freestyle motocross rider Travis Pastrana and his crew of top action-sport athlete buddies. Whether acting as human cannonballs, walking without a parachute on the wings of a plane thousands of feet above the surface of the earth or racing at speeds some car speedometers can’t even read, Travis and his crew provide viewers with adrenaline-fueled action each episode.
◊“Pranked” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This new series showcases the best pranks ever caught on camera and posted online. Known for their seven part Prank War, which has received over 5 million views online, College Humor.com’s Streeter Seidell & Amir Blumenfeld provide commentary during each episode.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): Skateboarding standout Rob Dyrdek and his crew are back at the Fantasy Factory, the first indoor concrete skate plaza where anything Rob can imagine becomes reality. In Season 2, the ridiculousness reaches new levels as Rob purchases and then jockeys his own racehorse, teams up with musician John Mayer to write an apology song for Rob’s Mom and returns to the stage as Bobby Light alongside Travis Barker at a Blink-182 show.
◊“Royal Pains” (9 p.m. on USA): In the Season 1 finale, Hank treats a hallucinating woman. Samantha Mathis (?”A Stranger’s Heart”) and Bruno Campos (”Nip/Tuck”) guest star. Catch all Season 1 episodes during a 10-hour marathon beginning at 5 a.m.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Oklahoma is not the most obese state in the United States, but that could change. Health officials contend there are many reasons for the shape of Oklahomans, and this installment of OETA’s Emmy Award-winning documentary series explores factors not limited to a lack of healthy diet and exercise.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Ida Lupino is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1955’s “Women’s Prison” (1:30 p.m.), 1956’s “While the City Sleeps” (5 p.m.) and 1942’s “The Hard Way” (9 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (5 p.m. on Disney): Series star David Henrie (Justin Russo) introduces his favorite episodes of the show in this 2-hour marathon.
FRIDAY, AUG. 28, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): TV news reporter Deborah Norville, three-time NBA champion Rick Fox and actress Jennie Garth (“90210”) head back to the classroom to test their grade school skills for charity.
◊“CMT Comedy Stage Presents Terry Fator Live From Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on CMT): Filmed in high-definition earlier this year, this special features comedic impersonations, ventriloquism, an audience interaction segment and musical numbers by Terry Fator (”America’s Got Talent” Season 2 winner). Joining Fator on stage are six of his infamous puppets, including Winston the Impersonating Turtle; Maynard Tompkins; Vicki “the cougar”; and Walter T. Airedale, all collaborating with the ventriloquist on hit songs by Etta James, Sonny & Cher, ZZ Top, The Bee Gees and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Global undergoes a Sonic Cleaning while Tess records a databank of Eurekan’s memories when the town experiences a communal form of memory loss.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): Natalie becomes convinced that a critic who panned her daughter Julie’s performance was responsible for a murder at the same time as the show. Dylan Baker (”Kings”) and Bernie Kopell (”The Love Boat) guest star.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Frank Sinatra is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1949’s “On the Town” (1 p.m.), 1959’s “Never So Few” (4:45 p.m.) and 1956’s “High Society” (9:30 p.m.).
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): Miley Cyrus (”Hannah Montana”) will be the season-ending performer for the Toyota summer concert series. The performance marks Cyrus’s second live concert on the morning program. Her first performance in July 2008 was one of “Today’s” biggest concerts ever.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie” (7 p.m. on Disney): In this adventure-themed movie inspired by the series, Manhattan’s magical wizard siblings Alex, Justin and Max Russo accompany their parents on a Caribbean vacation where Alex’s inadvertent magic spell makes it so her parents have never met. When they learn the only thing that will reverse the spell is the magical Stone of Dreams, they embark on a quest through the jungle to find it.
SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 2009
◊“The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania — The World Television Premiere” (8 p.m. on NBC): This special will relive all the action and excitement of WrestleMania 25 held April 5 in Houston. More than 72,000 fans representing 24 countries and all 50 states packed Reliant Stadium for the event featuring WWE Superstars such as John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Big Show and the Undertaker.
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): After Susan grounds Lauren for three weeks for lying to her, Bill has trouble agreeing with the severity of the punishment. And Paul enlists the aid of Bryan and Trent to create an online profile that will make him look good to the ladies.
◊“Forbes Presents: Michael Jackson – Follow the Money” (9 a.m. on E!): In celebration of what would have been Michael Jackson’s 51st birthday, this special will uncover the money trail left behind by the superstar. In 2006, Jackson held a meeting in a $9,000 a night luxury suite in Dubai. Surrounded by a huge staff, he spared no expense and yet was on the verge of bankruptcy.
◊“Incredible Story of Tap Dancing” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special traces the development of tap dancing from its beginnings, through the 20th century and up to the present where it is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity the world over.
◊“Jimmy Kimmel’s Big Night of Stars” (9 p.m. on NBC): Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel gets up close and personal with celebrities from the world of television, sports, film and music. It features interviews with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Oscar nominee Salma Hayek and comedian Tracy Morgan, as well as appearances by Jon Hamm (”Mad Men”), Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), Rachael Ray, William Shatner (”Star Trek”) and many more.
◊“Mayweather/Marquez 24/7″ (9:15 p.m. on HBO): Liev Schreiber (”The Manchurian Candidate”) narrates this new four-episode all-access series that spotlights a host of intriguing storylines leading up to the Sept. 19 pay-per-view boxing showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather (39-0 with 25 KOs) is back after a brief self-imposed retirement. Marquez (50-4-1 with 37 KOs) is moving up from the lightweight ranks.
◊“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” (6 a.m. on Disney): This 3-hour marathon spotlights Mickey’s loyal pal, Pluto, and includes the premiere of the new episode “Pluto’s Playmate” at 8 a.m. that was inspired by the original 1941 Pluto cartoon of the same name that features Salty the seal.
◊“Outdoor Oklahoma” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): In this installment, learn about the latest quail research, what’s happening with deer season or where fisheries personnel have found the biggest catfish in the state.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Peter Sellers is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1966’s “The Wrong Box” (1:30 p.m.), 1962’s “Lolita” (7 p.m.) and 1962’s “Waltz of the Toreadors” (10 p.m.).
–Penny TV
Chat with ‘Saving Grace’ cast
Want to find out what’s on the mind of “Saving Grace” star Holly Hunter? Ask her during a live chat that will begin at 10 p.m. Tuesday (July 28) on www.TNT.tv.
Hunter will take part in the online Q&A session that begins immediately following a new episode of the show.
She is in her third season of playing Grace Hanadarko, a gutsy Oklahoma City police detective who investigates brutal crimes while also trying to balance her relationship with her partner, Ham Dewey (Kenneth Johnson), and figure out cryptic messages from her last-chance angel, Earl (Leon Rippy).
And she earned a second consecutive Emmy nomination for her performance.
Other “Saving Grace” cast members will join Hunter for the webchat. An exact lineup is not known, but it could be Bailey Chase (Butch Ada), Gregory Cruz (Bobby Stillwater), Lorraine Toussaint (Kate Perry) and Laura San Giacomo (Rhetta Rodriguez), Yaani King (Neely Lloyd) and/or Dylan Minnette (Clay).
In Tuesday’s episode titled “That Was No First Kiss,” the squad investigates the death of a 99-year-old man who has been shot in the head while sitting in his home. The case resembles a crime that happened in Tulsa three years ago and offers Grace and Perry an opportunity to utilize expertise in gambling-related crimes from their vice days. It also gives Bobby a chance to reconnect with his dad (guest star Wes Studi, who was born in Nofire Hollow, Oklahoma) and Ham a chance to connect with a kindred spirit.
–Penny TV
Play along with TNT shows ‘Dark Blue’ and ‘Leverage’
What could be better than watching TV? Playing along with the TV shows!
TNT lets viewers do just that with its Wednesday primetime lineup of “Leverage” (8 p.m.) and “Dark Blue” (9 p.m.). And two things make the whole experience even better: (1) Participants have a chance to win prizes and (2) Both shows feature Oklahomans in the cast.
Nicki Aycox, who graduated from Enid High School, stars as a undercover police officer on “Dark Blue.” In the show’s online game at www.DarkBlueUndercover.com, players will become members of the elite undercover squad run by Carter Shaw (Dylan McDermott) and receive weekly missions to bring down a gun-running ring. At the end of 10 weeks, those who have taken the challenges will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles with VIP access to the hottest clubs and restaurants, a private helicopter tour of the Sunset strip and a ride with a former undercover LAPD officer (those who don’t take the challenge can also mail in entries — one per week for 10 weeks — to Dark Blue Undercover Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 9323, Medford, NY 11763-9323).
Christian Kane, who graduated from Norman High School, plays a retrieval specialist with bone-crunching fighting skills on “Leverage.” In the show’s online game at www.LeverageHQ.com, players help the Leverage team recover a stolen laptop that contains secret information about each person on the team,. Those who accomplish each task will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a multi-city trip to Paris, London and New York, sites of some of history’s greatest capers. Viewers can also test their “Leverage” knowledge with weekly trivia questions for a chance to win the weekly prizes.
–Penny TV
"Dark Blue" cast members Dylan McDermott, Nicki Aycox, Omari Hardwick, Logan Marshall-Green (TNT Photo)
Complete list of 2009 Emmy Nominations, including Oklahoma ties
Kristin Chenoweth
Oklahoma-born actresses Kristin Chenoweth and Jeanne Tripplehorn received Emmy nominations Thursday (July 16).
Chenoweth, a Broken Arrow native, received an outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series nod (her second in a row) for her work on “Pushing Daisies,” which was cancelled after two seasons on ABC.
Tripplehorn, a Tulsa native, was nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a miniseries or movie for her portrayal as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the HBO movie “Grey Gardens.”
There are other Oklahoma ties among the nominees for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be handed out Sept. 20 in Los Angles.
“Big Love,” which is up for outstanding drama series, features two Tulsa natives in its cast. Tripplehorn plays Barb Henrickson (the first wife on the show about Bill Henrickson and his three wives). Mary Kay Place plays Adaleen Grant (mother of second wife, Nicki).
Jeanne Tripplehorn
Holly Hunter received an outstanding lead actress in a drama nod (her second in a row) for playing Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko on “Saving Grace.” The series is now in its third season, with new episodes airing at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on TNT.
“The Amazing Race,” which last season featured contestant Christie Volkmer from Choctaw, is up for best reality competition series. The category was added six years ago, and the “Race” won every one.
“Saturday Night Live,” which is up for outstanding variety, music or comedy series, features Tulsa native Bill Hader in its cast. Since he joined the show in 2005, “SNL” has won three Emmys — for outstanding hairstyling in a multi-camera series or special (2008), outstanding original music and lyrics (2007) and outstanding technical direction, camerawork, video for a series (2007).
CBS will broadcast the Primetime Emmys live at 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Two-time Emmy nominee Neil Patrick Harris of “How I Met Your Mother” will host the event.
Two-time Emmy winner Kathy Griffin will host the 2009 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Sept. 12, which is where the bulk of the Primetime Emmys will be handed out. The event will air as a two-hour special on E!
–Penny TV
Complete List of 2009 Emmy Nominations
Outstanding Comedy Series
Entourage • HBO
Family Guy • FOX
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
How I Met Your Mother • CBS
The Office • NBC
30 Rock • NBC
Weeds • Showtime
Outstanding Drama Series
Big Love • HBO
Breaking Bad • AMC
Damages • FX
Dexter • Showtime
House • FOX
Lost • ABC
Mad Men • AMC
Outstanding Miniseries
Generation Kill • HBO
Little Dorrit • PBS
Outstanding Made For Television Movie
Coco Chanel • Lifetime
Grey Gardens • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO
Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime
Taking Chance • HBO
Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Real Time With Bill Maher • HBO
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special
Chris Rock – Kill The Messenger • HBO
Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut A Bitch • Bravo
The Kennedy Center Honors • CBS
Ricky Gervais: Out Of England – The Stand-Up Special • HBO
Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush • HBO
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Jemaine Clement, Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
Tony Shalhoub, Monk • USA
Steve Carell, The Office • NBC
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock • NBC
Charlie Sheen, Two And A Half Men • CBS
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad • AMC
Michael C. Hall, Dexter • Showtime
Hugh Laurie, House • FOX
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment • HBO
Jon Hamm, Mad Men • AMC
Simon Baker, The Mentalist • CBS
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Kevin Kline, Cyrano de Bergerac (Great Performances) • PBS
Brendan Gleeson, Into The Storm • HBO
Sir Ian McKellen, King Lear (Great Performances) • PBS
Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance • HBO
Kiefer Sutherland, 24: Redemption • FOX
Kenneth Branagh, Wallander: One Step Behind • PBS
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures Of Old Christine • CBS
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? • ABC
Sarah Silverman, The Sarah Silverman Program • Comedy Central
Tina Fey, 30 Rock • NBC
Toni Collette, United States Of Tara • Showtime
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds • Showtime
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters • ABC
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer • TNT
Glenn Close, Damages • FX
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men • AMC
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace • TNT
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Chandra Wilson, Accidental Friendship • Hallmark Channel
Shirley MacLaine, Coco Chanel • Lifetime
Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens • HBO
Jessica Lange, Grey Gardens • HBO
Sigourney Weaver, Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Kevin Dillon, Entourage • HBO
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother • CBS
Rainn Wilson, The Office • NBC
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock • NBC
Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock • NBC
Jon Cryer, Two And A Half Men • CBS
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
William Shatner, Boston Legal • ABC
Christian Clemenson, Boston Legal • ABC
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad • AMC
William Hurt, Damages • FX
Michael Emerson, Lost • ABC
John Slattery, Mad Men • AMC
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Ken Howard, Grey Gardens • HBO
Len Cariou, Into The Storm • HBO
Bob Newhart, The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice • TNT
Tom Courtenay, Little Dorrit • PBS
Andy Serkis, Little Dorrit • PBS
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies • ABC
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock • NBC
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty • ABC
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds • Showtime
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Rose Byrne, Damages • FX
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC • ABC Studios
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment • HBO
Hope Davis, In Treatment • HBO
Cherry Jones, 24 • FOX
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Marcia Gay Harden, The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presentation) • CBS
Jeanne Tripplehorn, Grey Gardens • HBO
Shohreh Aghdashloo, House Of Saddam • HBO
Janet McTeer, Into The Storm • HBO
Cicely Tyson, Relative Stranger • Hallmark Channel
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series
Beau Bridges, Desperate Housewives • ABC
Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Steve Martin, 30 Rock • Gavin Volure • NBC
Jon Hamm, 30 Rock • NBC
Alan Alda, 30 Rock • NBC
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series
Edward Asner, CSI: NY • CBS
Ted Danson, Damages • FX
Jimmy Smits, Dexter • Showtime
Ernest Borgnine, ER • NBC
Michael J. Fox, Rescue Me • FX
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Christine Baranski, The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Gena Rowlands, Monk • USA
Betty White, My Name Is Earl • NBC
Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Jennifer Aniston, 30 Rock • NBC
Elaine Stritch, 30 Rock • NBC
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series
Sharon Lawrence, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC
Ellen Burstyn, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Brenda Blethyn, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Carol Burnett, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
CCH Pounder, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency • HBO
Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program
Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race • CBS
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol • FOX
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Heidi Klum, Project Runway • Bravo
Jeff Probst, Survivor • CBS
Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio, Top Chef • Bravo
Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Animated Programs
Disney’s Phineas And Ferb • Disney Channel
SpongeBob SquarePants • Nickelodeon
Outstanding Special Class Programs
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Carnegie Hall Opening Night 2008: A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein (Great Performances) • PBS
George Carlin: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize • PBS
The 62nd Annual Tony Awards • CBS
Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Live-Action Entertainment Programs
Battlestar Galactica: The Face Of The Enemy • Syfy.com
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
The Daily Show: The Daily Show Correspondents On Jon Stewart • ComedyCentral.com
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog • drhorrible.com
30 Rock’s Kenneth the Web Page • NBC.com
Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Nonfiction Programs
Jay Leno’s Garage • jaylenosgarage.com
Writer’s Draft • Fox Movie Channel
Outstanding Children’s Program
Hannah Montana • Disney Channel
iCarly • Nickelodeon
Wizards Of Waverly Place • Disney Channel
Outstanding Children’s Nonfiction Program
Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? With Maria Shriver • HBO
Nick News With Linda Ellerbee Coming Home: When Parents Return from War • Nickelodeon
Outstanding Nonfiction Special
The Alzheimer’s Project: Momentum In Science (Parts 1 & 2) • HBO
Farrah’s Story • NBC
Michael J. Fox: Adventures Of An Incurable Optimist • ABC
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO
Outstanding Nonfiction Series
American Experience • PBS
American Masters • PBS
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations • Travel Channel
Biography • BIO
Deadliest Catch • Discovery Channel
This American Life • Showtime
Outstanding Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow • PBS
Dirty Jobs • Discovery Channel
Dog Whisperer • NGC
Intervention • A&E
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List • Bravo
MythBusters • Discovery Channel
Outstanding Reality – Competition Program
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Idol • FOX
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Project Runway • Bravo
Top Chef • Bravo
Exceptional Merit In Nonfiction Filmmaking
The Memory Loss Tapes • HBO
Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery • HBO
Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming
American Experience • The Trials Of J. Robert Oppenheimer • PBS
American Masters • Jerome Robbins: Something To Dance About • PBS
Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business Of America • PBS
Penn & Teller: Bull….! • Showtime
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Series
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation • CBS
Smallville • CW
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles • FOX
24 • FOX
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presentation) • CBS
Generation Kill • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice • TNT
Outstanding Sound Editing For Nonfiction Programming (Single Or Multi-Camera)
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Masters • Glass: A Portrait Of Philip In Twelve Parts • PBS
China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province • HBO
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
Boston Legal • ABC
House • FOX
Lost • ABC
24 FOX
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Miniseries Or A Movie
Generation Kill • HBO
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story • TNT
Grey Gardens • HBO
Taking Chance • HBO
24: Redemption • FOX
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation
Entourage • HBO
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
The Office • NBC
Scrubs • ABC
30 Rock • NBC
Weeds • Showtime
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Or Music Series Or Special
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
American Idol • FOX
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards • CBS
Outstanding Sound Mixing For Nonfiction Programming
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Idol • FOX
Deadliest Catch • Discovery Channel
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Survivor • CBS
Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
Fringe • FOX
Ghost Whisperer • CBS
Heroes • NBC
Sanctuary • Syfy
Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
Generation Kill • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO
Outstanding Stunt Coordination
Burn Notice • USA
Chuck • NBC
Criminal Minds • CBS
My Name Is Earl • NBC
24 • FOX
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Series
American Idol • FOX
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Jimmy Kimmel Live • ABC
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards • CBS
The 62nd Annual Tony Awards • CBS
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
30 Rock • Reunion • NBC
30 Rock • Apollo, Apollo • NBC
30 Rock • Mamma Mia • NBC
30 Rock • Kidney Now! • NBC
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Lost • The Incident • ABC
Mad Men • A Night To Remember • AMC
Mad Men • Six Month Leave • AMC
Mad Men • The Jet Set • AMC
Mad Men • Meditations In An Emergency • AMC
Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Late Night With Conan O’Brien • NBC
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Saturday Night Live • NBC
‘Dark Blue’ star Nicki Aycox has advice for aspiring actors
Oklahoma actress Nicki Aycox didn’t
know anyone in California when she decided to move there and pursuit her dream.
Her plan included enrolling at Long Beach State, working odd jobs and attending as many auditions as possible.
It worked, as she has more than 40 acting projects to her credit, including a starring role in the new TNT series “Dark Blue” premiering at 9 p.m. Wednesday (July 15).
Continuing her education was a key part of her plan, although she came up six credits shy of graduating.
“I couldn’t make finals because I booked two roles and was on set,” she said in a phone interview with The Oklahoman. “But I was working at that point, which was my goal, so I decided to work and figure out what I wanted to do about my last credits later. But it turned out I kept working.”
A few of Aycox’s acting credits over the years include “Weird Science” (1996, one that kept her from graduating), “3rd Rock from the Sun” (1997), “Significant Others” (1998), “Providence” (1999), “Opposite Sex” (2000), “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2001), “Slap Her … She’s French” (2002), “Jeepers Creepers II” (2003), “Cold Case” (2004), “Over There” (2005), “Supernatural” (2006), “John from Cincinnati” (2007) and “CSI: Miami” (2008).
“I’ve done comedy films, horror films, comedy shows, sci-fi shows and action shows,” Aycox said. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself and say, ‘Am I really doing this?’
“My advice (to anyone wanting to get into acting) is that you keep yourself educated. Don’t give up on education just to become an actor and leave it on fate. Acting requires you to be able to educate yourself on a daily basis. You’re constantly researching, and that’s a skill your have to have.”
–Penny TV
‘Leverage’ actor likes TNT’s other shows
Oklahoma actor Christian Kane calls
himself a fan of Holly Hunter and Kyra Sedgwick. And not just because he hangs out with them at media events to promote TNT’s line-up of dramas that includes “Leverage” (featuring Kane), “Saving Grace” (Hunter’s show set in Oklahoma) and “The Closer” (starring Sedgwick).
“I’m a fan of theirs, regardless,” he said during a recent telephone interview with The Oklahoman. “And my good buddy Kenny Johnson, who I played baseball with, is on ‘Saving Grace’ (he plays Ham Dewey). So I always try to watch Kenny on that show.
“And when I’m home, I’ll catch a show on TNT — mostly to see previews of ‘Leverage.’
Kane laughed when he said that last part.
“Leverage” begins Season 2 at 8 p.m. Wednesday (July 15) on TNT.
–Penny TV
Top 20 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing March 15-21, 2009
Miyam Bialik
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts
a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 20 celebrities making special TV appearances the week of March 15.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
GUEST STARS
••The All American Rejects (rock band from Stillwater) on “Today,” 7 a.m. on NBC.
••Ted Allen (”Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) on “The Next Food Network Star,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network.
••Chris Carmack (”The O.C.”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Miyam Bialik (”Blossom”) on “Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••David Gallagher (”7th Heaven”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Jack Hanna (”ZooLife with Jack Hanna”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Billy Idol (English rock musician) on “Soundstage,” 10 p.m. Thursday on OETA-13.
••Chris Jericho (professional wrestler) on “Z Rock,” 10 p.m.Sunday on IFC.
••Star Jones (“The View”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Cyndi Lauper (“Vibes”) on “Gossip Girl,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW.
••Michael Lerner (”Barton Fink”) on “Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••Jeff Lewis (”Flipping Out”) on “Top Chef Masters,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo.
••Peggy Lipton (”The Mod Squad”) on “Rules of Engagement,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Donna Mills (“Knots Landing”) on “Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Sofia Milos (“CSI: Miami”) on “Twilight Zone,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on My Network TV.
••Julia Ormond (”The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Williams “Refrigerator” Perry (former NFL player) on “According to Jim,” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Marion Ross (”Happy Days”) on “Handy Manny,” 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Yakov Smirnoff (“What a Country”) on “Great American Road Trip,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Charles Martin Smith (”The Untouchables”) on “Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Gina Torres (“Standoff”) on “Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Andy Williams (“The Andy Williams Show”) on “Great American Road Trip,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour, for PST, subtract two hours)
