Chat live with ‘Southland’ and ‘White Collar’ stars
Want to find out what’s on the mind of
the “Southland” stars? How about the “White Collar” stars?
Ask them during live online chats.
Fans can ask the cast of “Southland” questions beginning at 10 p.m. Tuesday (March 2) by logging on to www.tnt.tv or the Southland Facebook page. Scheduled to take part are stars Kevin Alejandro, Arija Bareikis, Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King, Michael McGrady, Ben McKenzie and Tom Everett Scott.
“White Collar” stars Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay will be available for questions beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday (March 3) by going to http://whitecollar.usanetwork.com.
While “White Collar” is wrapping up its first season (finale will air at 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, on USA Network), “Southland” is beginning its second season (premiere will air at 9 p.m Tuesday, March 2, on TNT).
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Feb. 28-March 6, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Feb. 28.
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.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••”The Marriage Ref,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on NBC (sneak preview, series premieres 9 p.m. Thursday).
••”Rules of Engagement,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS (fourth-season premiere).
••”The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” 10:35 p.m. Monday on NBC (former host returns).
••”Madman of the Sea,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••”Parenthood,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (series premiere).
••”Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (second-season premiere).
••”Players,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (series premiere).
••”Web Soup,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on G4 (second-season premiere).
••”The Locator,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WEtv (fourth-season premiere).
••”Instant Recall,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••”The Real Housewives of New York City,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC (series premiere).
••”Destination Design,” 12:30 p.m. Saturday on HGTV (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••”The Bachelor,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (14h-season finale).
••”Nip/Tuck,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on FX (series finale).
••”Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA Network (third-season finale).
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (fifth-season finale).
Pictured above: From right to Left: Bianca Kajlich, Oliver Hudson, David Spade, Patrick Warburton, Megyn Price and Adhir Kalyan star on RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, on Monday, March 1 on CBS. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS
Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 28-March 6, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, FEB. 28, 2010
••”Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Barb shocks Nicki with news about Joey. Bill looks for clues about J.J. (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) in Kansas.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team decides to kill time at a work acquaintance’s wedding by looking into wther his bride (Rachel Miner, “Californication”) was responsible for killing her former fiance (Noah Bean, “Damages”), who died mere hours after he canceled their nuptials. Sean Maguire (“The Class”) guest stars as the former fiance’s best friend.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Celia comes down with the chicken pox, Gaby must keep her distance. Having never had the chicken pox herself, Gaby stays with Tuc and Bob and is reminded of what it’s like to be single again. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) guest stars.
••”Disease Detectives” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special follows a real-life “Dr. House” and his team of experts inside the Undiagnosed Disease Program at the National Institutes for Health as they attempt to solve real medical mysteries and help desperate patients in just five days.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Country singer Trace Adkins (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) helps the team rebuild the home of a wounded police officer in Lancaster, Texas, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team.
••”Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): When Gladys, the new and slightly bumbling Tooth Fairy, has trouble doing her job without waking up the kids, the Movers help show her how to get the job done. Cheri Oteri (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
••”The Marriage Ref” (9:30 p.m. on NBC): Jerry Seinfeld (“Seinfeld”), Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) weigh in on a special sneak preview of this new comedy panel series about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. Tom Papa (“Come to Papa”) is the “Ref” on the show, which premieres Thursday.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This adaptation of John Buchan’s World War I adventure novel “The 39 Steps” follows the fortunes of Richard Hannay (Rupert Penry-Jones), a mining engineer who gets caught up in a conspiracy after a British spy is found dead in his apartment.
••”The Providence Effect” (11 a.m. on TV One): This documentary film that tells the story of a school on Chicago’s impoverished West Side that has been sending 100 percent of its high school graduates to four-year colleges for 30 years.
••”Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dave Rife, the owner of White Castle, goes undercover in his own company where he accidentally ruins thousands of hamburger buns after mishandling equipment in one of his bakeries. He also discovers low morale among his employees at a local factory.
••”Weather Proof” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Co-hosts Stephanie Abrams and Newton Wimer test everything from windows and mobile homes to see if they hold up against a powerful hurricane simulator – a jet engine. And see how to escape from a stranded vehicle with only seconds to act as dangerous waters rise in a flash flood.
MONDAY, MARCH 1
••”The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 14 finale, Jake must choose between Tenley and Vienna. Throughout the episode, Tom Bergeron will announce the new cast of “Dancing With the Stars” that premieres March 22.
••”Bewitched” (4 p.m. on TV Land): The Emmy award-winning series that aired on ABC from 1964-1972 joins the network’s weekday lineup. The series follows Samantha Stevens (Elizabeth Montgomery), a stay-at-home wife with a secret. After marrying her husband, ad-exec Darrin Stevens (Dick York, then played by Dick Sargent), she reveals to him that she is a witch.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Filmmaker and musician Rob Zombie directs this new episode in which the CSI team discovers that a listening device has been covertly planted at a crime scene. Guest stars include Zombie’s wife Sheri Moon (“Halloween”), Malcolm McDowell (“Heroes”) and William Forsythe (“John Doe”).
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Professor Hilgendorf and his family has moved in next door to the Kappa Tau house, and their presence is putting a damper on the KTs’ festivities. Sam Page (“Mad Men”) guest stars.
••”House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Wilson puts himself on the case when an old friend (Joshua Malina, “The West Wing”) and former patient experiences paralysis in his right arm. House suspects the man’s cancer has returned, but Wilson works overtime to find an alternative diagnosis.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang tries to convince Ted that he is being strung along by Tiffany (Carrie Underwood, “American Idol”), they reflect about relationships where each of them has been in the same situation.
••“Inside the Actors Studio” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton welcomes award-winning director, producer, editor and writer James Cameron to the stage. Cameron’s career trajectory has skyrocketed this small-town Canadian boy to one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He has directed two of the highest-grossing films to date — “Titanic” and “Avatar.”
••”NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): The Pro Bowl honors the NFL’s best players. For the first time, the event is moving to the site of the Super Bowl, with the game being played the Sunday before the NFL championship. But whether this first Pro Bowl of its kind will go off without a hitch remains to be seen.
••”Paralyzed and Pregnant with Twins” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special presents the story of Claudia, a woman who was paralyzed from the armpits down following a car accident that killed her infant son. Claudia hoped that one day she could have more children and, despite doctors’ skepticism, her dream came true.
••”The Real Housewives Top 25: The Early Years” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This special features the 25 favorite moments from the first seasons of New York, Atlanta and New Jersey and the first two seasons of Orange County, as chosen by Andy Cohen (Bravo’s SVP of Original Programming and Development and host of “Watch What Happens”).
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 4 premiere, Jeff takes Russell’s advice and reciprocates a female colleague’s flirting. Adhir Kalyan, who plays Russell’s assistant Timmy, joins the cast as a series regular.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Ricgard and James immerse themselves in the world of classic cars to find out if they really are more fun than modern machinery. Also, Jeremy interviews AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson in the studio.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie runs off to Vegas and returns with a new wife, but she’s not Chelsea. Stacy Keach (“Titus” ) and John Amos (“Men In Trees”) guest star.
TUESDAY, MARCH 2
••”20/20: Before They Were Famous” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): This special Oscars-themed edition features stories of how some nominees got their big breaks. George Clooney’s father, Nick Clooney, takes ABC cameras inside the actor’s childhood home in Kentucky. Sandra Bullock’s childhood friend shares stories and photos of the first-time nominee as a high school cheerleader in Virginia. Actor Beau Bridges, the brother of five-time Oscar nominee Jeff Bridges, talks about his brother’s early years. And Mo’Nique’s husband, Sidney Hicks, talks about the early years with the talented comedienne turned actress.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): After viewers learn who was eliminated after the Olympic challenge cliffhanger (Cheryl George from Ardmore or Darrell Hough from Michigan), host Alison Sweeney tells all the contestants they are switching to blue vs. black teams.
••”Frontline” (midnight on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Suicide Tourist” explores the topic of whether we have the right to end our lives in the last stages of painful terminal illness or if life becomes unbearable for other reasons. It includes access to Dignitas, the Swiss nonprofit group that helps people with terminal illnesses to end their lives.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Peter gets acclimated to life at home and works on a comeback strategy with his political team, including Eli Gold (Alan Cumming, “The L Word”), Alicia and Diane wrestle with spousal privilege laws in a murder case that hinges on their ability to get a wife to testify against her husband. Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) guest stars as Kurt McVeigh, a rugged ballistics expert who Diane finds herself attracted to.
••”Madman of the Sea” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new six-part series follows the adventures of Australian fisherman Matt Watson, He is dubbed the “fish whisperer” by his peers for his ability to lure the biggest, fastest, baddest sea creatures that lurk beneath the surface. He feeds off adrenaline and travels the uncharted seas looking for that next great catch, and he’s willing to do anything to find it.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new dramedy views contemporary family life as reflected by the large and colorful Braverman clan. In the series premiere, Sarah (Lauren Graham, ‘‘Gilmore Girls”), a single mom, returns to Berkeley, Calif., to be closer to her family, while brother Adam (Peter Krause) learns that his son (Max Burkholder) has Asperger’s syndrome.
••”Players” (9:30 p.m. on SPIKE): This new series follows two brothers with conflicting personalities trying to run a successful sports bar. Matt Walsh plays Bruce Fitzgerald, a free-spirited, fun-loving guy who bets on games and dates the cocktail waitresses. Ian Robert plays Ken, his older, uptight brother who tries to keep the focus on turning a profit while avoiding lawsuits and health code violations.
••”Postpartum Nightmares” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special spotlights women who have had a range of postpartum experiences — from depressions to severe anxiety and event psychosis.Viewers will see how these devastating cpnditions can create turmoil during what is supposed to be one of life’s happiest moments — the addition of a new baby to the family.
••”Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Nate and Sammy investigate a freeway shooting and wind up threatening the integrity of a major undercover operation. And Chickie finds herself in the middle of a mini-riot after her new partner shoots at a 13-year-old boy.
••”White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When the daughter of a man from his past goes missing Neal volunteers to help find her. Little does anyone realize the kidnapper is an old enemy of Neal’s who is leading him right into a trap. Diahann Carroll (“Julia”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Laurie needs a co-signer to buy her first condo and finds her less than stellar, absentee mother (Beverly D’Angelo, “Entourage”) no help at all. Meanwhile, Bobby is mugged by a woman and Travis comes to Barb’s aid after her latest cosmetic surgery procedure.
••”Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. demonstrates how to pick up the search for ancestors where the historical record leaves off, linking the distinctive family histories of such guests as Elizabeth Alexander, Meryl Streep, Mike Nichols, Yo-Yo Ma and Eva Longoria Parker to the broader history of ‘‘the family of man.”
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary’s plan to help Tom land a spot on the wrestling team backfires, he challenges the coach, a former high school nemesis, to a wrestling rematch in an attempt to settle their score. David Koechner (“Anchorman”) guest stars as Soup, Gary’s high school nemesis.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a woman from a growing lesbian community is found dead, detectives Benson and Stabler must work with a local activist (Kathy Griffin, “My Life on the D-List”) to uncover the truth behind the woman’s death.
••”The Locator” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Enid native Troy Dunn returns for a fourth season of granting wishes to people wanting to reconnect with loved ones. In the one-hour season premiere, a daughter searches for the father who disappeared from her life and a young woman searches for the sister she didn’t know existed.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Following the donut shop shooting, Veronica takes off unexpectedly, leaving everyone to worry about her whereabouts. Back at Mercy, the victims of a bus bombing inundate the emergency room. Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser”) guest stars.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “Miss Congeniality”), Manny’s infamously unreliable dad. Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Christine and Barb find their business unexpectedly profitable, Christine must decide whether to spend her share of the newfound money on herself or follow Barb’s lead and give it to charity. Ed Begley Jr. (“Gary Unmarried”) and Ashley Williams (“Side Order of Life”) guest star.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Oscar Special” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Oprah Winfrey brings together some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to interview each other. The revealing and intimate interviews include Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”); “Avatar” director James Cameron and three stars from the film; Ben Affleck (“Good Will Hunting”) and Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”); and “Fatal Attraction” stars Glenn Close and Michael Douglas.
••”Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): After Lassiter takes a page out of Shawn’s book and claims a shark attack victim was actually murdered, the guys must then scramble to find the fish and prove him right. Jeri Ryan (“Leverage”) guest stars.
••”Radical Parenting” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores what some might consider to be extreme forms of parenting — from potty training a newborn baby to breast-feeding beyond the age of two. Find out how they came to these parenting decisions and hear from experts about the pros and cons of their choices.
••”Web Soup” (7 p.m. on G4): The series returns for a second season that captures the “best of the worst” moments on the web and brings viewers a no-holds-barred look at the week’s Internet mayhem. In each episode, comedian and host Chris Hardwick presents a selection of crashes, bloopers, accidents and more, along with his wry commentary, signature sketches and side-splitting reenactments.
THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2010
••”Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Michael’s worst fears come to life when a world-class terrorist is unleased on Miami, threatening to detonate a bomb if Michael doesn’t give him what he wants. With the FBI hot on his trail, Michael will need every advantage and every friend on his side to defeat this madman in the Season 3 finale.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a band member of Rascal Flatts is electrocuted by his own guitar during a concert, the CSI team investigates if it was a case of foul play. Actor Will Patton (“24″) guest stars as CIA Associate Director Craig Halliday.
••”Instant Recall” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): This new game show first tests players’ patience, then tests their memory as unsuspecting participants are caught on hidden camera in unbelievable situations—and are then quizzed on the experience for cash and prizes. Wink Martindale (“Tic-Tac-Dough”) and Angela Daun (“Entourage”) host the competition and award the prizes.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Tina Fey (“30 Rock”) and Eva Longoria-Parker (“Desperate Housewives”) are on the celebrity panel for the premiere episode of the series that features couples facing off to settle their marital tiffs. The rotating panel of “experts” will offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): In this special hour-long episode, Pam’s contractions begin but she and Jim are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Meanwhile the rest of the office tries to distract Pam from the pain with food and entertainment. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Things get too close for comfort when Addison, Pete and Sam must come together on a complicated case involving a dad-to-be who comes down with tuberculosis and threatens the future of his new family. Meanwhile, with Violet still gone on her Costa Rican escape, Sheldon takes over helping one of her patients, Natasha (Clea Duvall, “Carnivale”), to get over her crippling fear of flying.
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 ends with a bombshell, as the tension between Tamra Barney and her husband, Simon, reaches the breaking point at the final party of the summer. Meanwhile, Vicki Gunvalson and her husband, Donn, revel in the newfound strength of their marriage and Lynne Curtin tries to reign in her teenage daughters wild behavior at the party.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 premiere, the ladies are spending their remaining summer days together in the Hamptons, but friendships and alliances have shifted significantly. Ramona, Jill, LuAnn and Alex enjoy a sun-filled day on a yacht that Ramona has commissioned for the day – until nasty comments and tears break loose. Jill shares that she is angry with Bethenny and that the two haven’t spoken in months.
••”Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In this two-hour documentary, Tom Brokaw chronicles the impact 78 million baby boomers have had on American society over the past six decades and explores the challenges they face as they begin to approach the age of retirement.
••”Too Many Babies?” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): One year ago, the Jones family thought just one more baby would make life complete. Instead, they got the surprise of their lives — quintuplets. This special focuses on how they’re learning the ropes all over again in a life that includes their four-year-old daughter and five newborn babies.
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010
••The 8th Annual Visual Effects Society Awards (9 p.m. on ReelzChannel): Director James Cameron (“Avatar”) will be honored with the VES Lifetime Achievement Award at thyis year’s event that celebrates a monumental year in movie visual effects.
••The 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards (10 p.m. on IFC): Eddie Izzard (“The Riches”) serves as Master of Ceremonies for the event that recognizes the achievements of independent filmmakers.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Seal, Imelda May and Sugarland.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Allison is mugged, she decides to take charge by enrolling in self-defense classes. Also, Devalos investigates a teenager’s rape and an undercover cop’s possible murder. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) and Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”) guest star.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Rob Morrow (Don) directed this episode in which the team investigates the deaths of two men who were part of a group of friends that had been suxually abused as children by one of their teachers. Moira kelly (“One Tree Hill”) and Alan Ruck (“Spin City”) guest star.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new series, celebrities embark on personal journeys of self-discovery as each searches for the roots to his family tree, uncovering stories of love, betrayal, intrigue, heroism and tragedy. The premiere episode spotlights the search of Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”).
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010
••”America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m. on Fox): After nearly 22 years of tracking down the nation’s most notorious criminals, the series will celebrate its milestone 1000th episode with a special broadcast. Hosted by John Walsh, the series has helped capture 1100 criminals, including 17 on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, and reunited 43 missing children with their families, which is Walsh’s proudest achievement.
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle is wrestling with how to repair his relationship with Beckett while struggling to finish his soon-to-be-published bestseller, “Heat Wave.” Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves.
••”CNN Presents: Scream Bloody Murder” (7 p.m. on CNN): CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour reports from the killing fields of the world where genocide has raged. She takes viewers back in time to witness again the places now synonymous with horror: Auschwitz, Cambodia, Darfur, Iraq, Rwanda and Bosnia. In recognition that her journalism in 1992 to 1995 brought much-needed attention to the human rights crisis in Bosnia during the war there, Amanpour was named an Honorary Citizen by the City of Sarajevo for her coverage.
••”Destination Design” (12:30 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, designer Taniya Nayak helps homeowners who love to travel but seem to miss the boat on good design. In each episode, she sends homeowners on all-expense-paid luxury vacations to discover colors, textures, images and moments that will inspire them. Upon their return, Taniya will formulate a design plan based on the homeowners’ photos, experiences and inspirational souvenirs.
••“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): Activities to enjoy during spring break include a walk on the wild side at the zoo, indoor swimming in Kingfisher and a spin around an Oklahoma City raceway.
••”Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals” (7 p.m. on HBO): This special traces the history of the competition between Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics. Their rivalry began 30 years ago when they led their midwest universities to the 1979 NCAA Championship game, through a decade of dominance, when the two won three NBA MVP awards apiece and a combined eight NBA titles.
••”Pirate for the Sea” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This is a biographical film of Captain Paul Watson, the youngest founding member of Greenpeace Canada. He organized early campaigns protesting the killing of seals, whales and dolphins.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Financial advisor Suze Orman celebrates eight years on CNBC and heads into Season 9 with a new mission to help America become healthier and wealthier.
••”Uncorked” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When business as usual takes a vacation, Johnny (Julie Benz, “Dexter”) must find something, or someone, else to occupy her time. JoBeth Williams (“In the Land of Women”), Elliott Gould (“Ocean’s Eleven”) and Scott Elrod (“Men in Trees”) also star in this romantic comedy about finding a passion that isn’t a paycheck.
–Penny TV
Countdown to ‘Saving Grace’ (Season 4 starts March 29 on TNT)
The fourth and final season of “Saving Grace” starts next month.
The show set in Oklahoma City and centered around police detective Grace Hanadarko (played by Oscar winner Holly Hunter) will open the season with back-to-back episodes from 8 to 10 p.m. Monday, March 29, on TNT. The week after that, “Saving Grace” will air in the 9 p.m. Monday hour.
Six of Season 4′s nine episodes were actually filmed for the third season. But when word broke last summer that Fox Television Studios was cancelling the series, the episodes were saved for the final season’s run.
The studio did, at least, order three additional episodes so the show’s writers could tie up any loose ends. Oklahoma City native Nancy Miller, who created the show, will also have a say in how it concludes.
–Penny TV
Pictured above: Holly Hunter is a scene from the Season 2 episode “I Believe in Angels.”
Photo Credit: Erik Heinila
Pictured below: “Saving Grace” Season 3 cast photo featuring Bailey Chase, Laura San Giacomo, Lorraine Toussaint, Yaani King, Leon Rippy, Holly Hunter, Gregory Cruz, Kenny Johnson
TV Premieres and Finales airing Feb. 21-27
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Feb. 21.
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.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••”Weather Proof,” 8 p.m. Sunday on The Weather Channel (series premiere).
••”Aaron Stone,” 7 p.m. Wednesay on Disney XD (second-season premiere).
••”Dude, What Would Happen,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Cartoon Network (second-season premiere).
••”Destroy Build Destroy,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on Cartoon Network (second-season premiere).
••”Police Women on Maricopa County,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TLC (second-season premiere).
••”Live From Abbey Road,” 7 p.m. Friday on Sundance (third-season premiere).
••”Dance-a-Lot Robot,” 5:25 a.m. Saturday on Disney (series premiere).
••”Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” 8 a.m. Saturday on Disney (third-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Men of a Certain Age,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (first-season finale).
••”Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts,” 9 p.m. Monday on Planet Green (first-season finale).
••”The Little Couple,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (second-season finale).
••”Conviction Kitchen,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (first-season finale).
••”The Deep End,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Pit Boss,” 9 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (first-season finale).
Pictured above: VENICE, CA – AUGUST 13: Shorty Rossi, second from right, poses with his staff, from left, Ashley Brooks, Sebastian Saraceno and Ronald Lee Clark with his pit bulls on the patio behind his Venice, California, office. (Animal Planet Photo).
Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 21-27, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 21:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, FEB. 21, 2010
••”Academy Awards Preview With Chris Harrison” (7 p.m. on TV Guide Network): “The Bachelor” host Chris Harrison, who began his television career by covering local sports in Oklahoma City, profiles this year’s Academy Award nominees.
••“The British Academy Film Awards” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Hollywood and Britain’s biggest movie stars come together at London’s Royal Opera House to honor this year’s best in film. “Avatar,” “An Education” and “The Hurt Locker” lead the pack with eight nominations each. In previous years, many BAFTA wins have correctly predicted who walks away with the Academy Award a few weeks later.
••“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Sarah rediscovers the love of her life (Gilles Marini, “Sex and the City”) while Kitty makes a grand entree in to politics with her family and new campaign manager by her side (Cheryl Hines, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”).
••“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the 1971 death of a teenage circus aerialist whose mid-act fall may have been the result of foul play. Guest stars include Joe Penny (“Jake and the Fatman “), Peggy McCay (“Days of Our Lives”) and Michael John Anderson (“Carnivale”). Several songs by The Doors will be featured throughout the episode.
••“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Susan causes quite a stir when she invites a former stripper into her home. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) guest stars.
••“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): While their new home is being built in Florida, the Wagstaff family flies to Tulsa to meet rockers KISS. Together, they work with Gibson and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to provide instruments for Tulsa’s Wilson Middle School. The family runs a non-profit music school to provide services in the arts for everyone.
••“Hannah Montana” (7 p.m. on Disney): When Lilly’s mom accepts a job in Atlanta, Robby invites Lilly to move into the Stewart home. But after Lilly overhears Miley complaining about their new living arrangement, she picks up and moves into her dad’s cramped apartment. Jon Cryer (“Two and a Half Men”) guest stars.
••“King Tut Unwrapped” (7 p.m. on Discovery): World-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass leads a forensic investigation into the life and times of King Tut that reveals for the first time the identity of Tut’s parents and grandparents, his cause of death and new details of his reign. The two-part special concludes at 7 p.m. Monday.
••”Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Invasion of the Giant Pythons” focuses on predatory pythons that have thrived in the protected wilderness of Everglades National Park, making the refuge more a killing ground than a haven for the endangered mamma;s, trees, plants, birds, turtles and alligators there.
••“School Gyrls” (6 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new musical comedy follows the adventures of three freshmen at an exclusive all-girls boarding school. It features a real-life teen pop group consisting of Mandy Rain, Jacquelyn Rae Pyles and Monica Parales. The movie also features guest appearances by Nick Cannon, Justin Bieber, Kristinia DeBarge, Reverend Run, Soulja Boy, Angie Stone and Pete Wentz.
••“Sinbad: Where U Been?” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Sinbad returns to the stage after a 13-year absence from his last stand-up special. He discusses America’s new black president, the lighter side of the economic recession, the pitfalls of love and marriage and, of course, gives everyone the low down of where he’s been.
••”Sins of the Mother” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Jill Scott (“The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency”) stars in this new movie based on author Carleen Brice’s novel “Orange Mint and Honey.” It tells the story about the harsh realities of love, forgiveness and the closest bonds between mother and daughter.
••“Til Death” (6 p.m. on Fox): When Eddie and Joy befriend Stephen (Kevin Nealon, “Weeds”) and his wife Simona, Eddie clicks with them right away, which causes Joy to feel left out.
••“Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): Joe DePinto, the chief executive and President of 7-Eleven, goes undercover in his own company where he discovers that one of his corporate policies has not been implemented on the frontlines.
••”Weather Proof” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Learn how to handle dehydration, infection, hypothermia and more that can occur in the great outdoors to ruin a great camping trip. Co-hosts Stephanie Abrams and Newton Wimer test everything from rain gear and sleeping bags to bug repellant and first aid kits.
••“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” (6 p.m. on Nick Jr.): The WuzzOlympic Games are coming to town, and coaching all the participants is Michelle Kwanzelberry (voiced by Olympian Michelle Kwan). Wubbzy and his pals get geared up to compete, and Michelle advises them to prepare, practice and have fun.
MONDAY, FEB. 22, 2010
••”American Masters” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): S. Epatha Merkerson (“Law & Order”) narrates the installment “Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun.” Hurtson was one of the most celebrated and most controversial fugures of the Harlem Renaissance.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised include photos by American photographer Edward Weston, a table crafted by master furniture maker George Nakashima and an exhibition piece made by Tiffany for the 1893 Columbian Exhibition in Chicago.
••”Best of Cake Boss” (8 p.m. on TLC): In this special episode, Buddy Valastro counts down his top five favorite cakes and re-lives some of the most memorable moments from the past two seasons.
••”Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In the Season 1 finale, six fashion victims embark on a journey in Mumbai, where they are put to work in the backstreet factories in Asia’s largest slum.
••“Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Ashleigh is worried that her new boyfriend, Pete (Yani Gellman, “The Young and the Restless”), might be another cheater. Her insecurities are only heightened when her nemesis, Gamma Psi Natalie, starts playing with Ashleigh’s head by insinuating that she and Pete are in a relationship.
••“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Feeling guilty about his rapid downward spiral, Joe decides to stop gambling. Owen finds a new sense of purpose when he goes to work for a rival auto dealership. And Terry’s life spins out of control when his gig on a movie results in disasters at the apartment complex he manages.
••“NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): The New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to London, as the NFL makes its third trip across the pond to bring America’s game to the United Kingdom. It may seem like a regular game on TV, but for the people behind the scenes, it’s a daunting task.
••“Nightline” (10:35 p.m. on ABC): This installment highlights a recent “Face-Off” debate on “Is it Okay to be Fat?” Cynthia McFadden moderated the discussion that tackles delicate questions related to dieting and obesity and how it relates to heath.
••“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Ben and Adrian have to deal with the repercussions from last week’s stunning turn of events at the school dance. Anson Williams (“Happy Days”) directed the episode.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Richard and James find themselves entered in a terrifying French ice race. Sienna Miller (“Keen Eddie”) is featured in the “star in a reasonable priced car” segment.
••”Ultimate Cake Off” (9 p.m. on TLC): Master cake decorators Kathy Scott, Bob Broughman and Beth Ayala compete to make the ultimate birthday cake for a Sweet 16 birthday celebration aboard the magical Scarlett Belle Riverboat.
TUESDAY, FEB. 23, 2010
••”American Idol” (7 p.m. om Fox): The top 12 female semifinalists take to the stage hoping to earn another week in the competition as they perform live for judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, as well as fans at home. On Wedneday, the top 12 male semifinalists perform. On the first live results show airing Thursday, two girls and two boys will be eliminated.
••”General Hospital” (2 p.m. on CBS): In the daytime drama’s 12,000th episode, the fallout continues from mobster Sonny Corinthos’ learning that undercover cop Dante is his son, and Elizabeth figures out who the father of her unborn child is.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia deals with tricky office politics when she’s asked to represent the firm’s senior partner after her husband, Peter, is arrested. Chelsea Handler (“Chelsea Lately”) guest stars as herself when she interviews Peter’s mistress on her show.
••”Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): “Behind the Rainbow” chronicles the story of how the African National Congress transformed from a liberation organization into South Africa’s ruling party.
••”The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): It’s moving day for Jen and Bill into their temporary rental. Things get crazy when Bill loses his watch that Jen gave him on their anniversary and when Rocky sneaks under the fence in their new backyard.
••”When Learning Comes Naturally” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This new special documents innovative outdoor education programs around the country created to help children understand and experience the wonders and joys of nature.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010
••”Aaron Stone” (7 p.m. on Disney XD): Season 2 finds champion video gamer Charlie Landers and his legendary crime-fighting avatar, Aaron Stone, taking their game to a whole new level when a group of new villains escape and threaten world domination.
••”Conviction Kitchen” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): The last week of the trainees’ three-month probation, and a star-studded graduation party is being planned.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Following a spray of machine gunfire, the CSI team rises from the chaos; however, when one member’s life is significantly changed, it proves to be the emotional motivation they need to piece together their lives and find the shooter. Sarah Carter (“Shark”) guest stars in a recurring role as Haylen Becall, a forensic school graduate who works as a crime scene clean-up technician and aspires to be a CSI.
••”Destroy Build Destroy” (7:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This live-action show, back for Season 2, features two groups of teenage contestants who get to destroy various objects and then build vehicles out of the wreckage.
••”Dude, What Would Happen” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): Returning for Season 2 are teen hosts C.J. Manigo, Jackson Rogow and Ali Sepasyar. They wonder what would happen if some wild event, scheme, or experiment were to occur and then try to create the event themselves.
••”Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This hour chronicles how land came to define the settling and identity of the country, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. shows Oscar winner Meryl Streep how her eighth great-grandfather fought in Metacom’s War, while Eva Longoria Parker discovers that a land dispute in Spain forced her ancestors to depart for the New World in 1603.
••”The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears that a confrontation with trashy neighbor Rita Glossner (Brooke Shields, “Lipstick Jungle”) is at hand when Sue has a run-in with her sons.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Claire is determined to surprise Phil with an amazing anniversary present – a private performance by one of their favorite musicians, Izzy LaFontaine (Edward Norton, “Primal Fear”). Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron call up their party-girl bestie, Sal (Elizabeth Banls, “Seabiscuit”), for a long overdue night out on the town.
••”One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): After spending time with his friend Bo Buchanan and his family, guest star Snoop Dogg (“Old School”) will head to Capricorn for his return engagement in Llanview.
THURSDAY, FEB. 25, 2010
••”The Deep End” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, the group struggle to close all of their cases before Cliff and Susan’s charity gala. Addy and Malcolm must find a way around a deceitful insurance company, while Dylan and Beth fight to keep a young client out of jail for a text messaged photo.
••“Past Life” (8 p.m. on Fox): When a young girl exhibits physical manifestations from traumatic past-life memories, she is dubbed a saint by the media and is brought to the team’s attention. From saint to sinner, the “Saint” Sarah case leads Kate and Price to a serial killer.
••”Police Women of Maricopa County” (8 p.m. on TLC): Season 2 follows four female deputies at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Phoenix. In the premiere episode, Detective Deborah Moyer takes part in a high-speed chase that ends in the tasing of a naked man.
••”Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Willie Nelson and his eight-piece band perform highlights from his first-ever bluegrass album. He also mixes in elements of folk, blues, classic country, western swing and gospel in his “Soundstage” set.
FRIDAY, FEB. 26, 2010
••”The 41st NAACP Image Awards” (7 p.m. on Fox): The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People recognizes artistic achievements as well as people and projects that promote diversity in the arts during ceremonies at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. This year’s nominees include Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Sandra Bullock, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Alica Keys, Rihanna and Whitney Houston. Tyler Perry will receive the Chairman’s Award.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Season 3 opens with a special tribute to the Beatles’ iconic album, “Abbey Road.” The episode features Seal (“Something”), Counting Crows (“Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, The End”), Sugarland (“Come Together”) and Matchbox Twenty (“She Came In Through The Bathroom Window”), as well as other never-before-seen performances of songs from the album in conjunction with its 40th Anniversary.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison’s visions could help prevent a massive bioterror attack when samples of a deadly virus go missing. Matt Letscher (“Eli Stone”) and William Allen Young (“District 9”) guest star.
••”Turn the Beat Around” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new movie set in the competitive Los Angeles dance scene tells the story of Zoe (Romina D’Ugo), a struggling young dancer who gets the opportunity to fulfill her dreams when she convinces a wealthy nightclub owner to open a new club with a disco theme.The film features original remakes of classic disco songs by some of today’s most popular new acts.
SATURDAY, FEB. 27, 2010
••”Beauty and the Beasts: A Dark Tale” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In this re-imagining of a classic fairy tale, Estella Warren (“Planet of the Apes”) stars as a young Beauty with a gift for healing. She helps a deformed Prince (Rhett Gilles, “Wraiths of Roanoke”) regain his throne and defeat the ruthless nobleman who wants to be king.
••”Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team looks into the 1944 murder of the top pilot from the WASP program, a pioneering group of civilian women who volunteered to fly non-combat missions for the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. Guest starring are Michael Learned (“The Waltons”) as a former WASP pilot, Deanna Dunagan (“August: Osage County”) as the ex-WASP commander, Chad Faust (“The 4400″) as a WASP flight instructor and John Aniston (“Days of Our Lives”) as a WWII Army Air Force pilot veteran.
••”Dance-a-Lot Robot” (5:25 a.m. on Disney): A combination of animation and live-action, this new short-form series stars Dance-A-Lot, a robot with rhythm. He teaches preschoolers simple original dance steps including the robot, the blue jay, the dinosaur stomp and the clock — all set to the music of Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh.
••”Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” (8 a.m. on Disney): Season 3 launches with the episode “Goofy’s Goofbot,” in which Goofy builds a super smart and strong toy robot that looks just like him. The third season will also feature the new physical fitness-themed short-form series, “Mickey Mousekersize.”
••”NUMB3RS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a geneticist’s daughter who they suspect was abducted by her unstable mother, but become more concerned when they think the young girl may be a clone. Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) guest stars as Russell Lazlo, an erratically brilliant biotech professor helping the team on the case.
••”Phineas and Ferb” (7 a.m. on Disney XD): Irving’s brother doesn’t believe that Phineas and Ferb are anything special, and since he claims to be the “truth detector,” he can prove it. Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”) guest stars.
••“Pit Boss” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Shorty and his team organize a car wash fundraiser to help pay for the many dog rescues that drain Shortywood Production’s bank account. But a thunderstorm threatens to ruin the big event.
–Penny TV
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Feb. 14-20, 2010
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 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Feb. 14.
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.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
GUEST STARS
••Rosanna Arquette (“Pulp Fiction”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Michael Badalucco (“The Practice”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon (“Eyes”) on “Human Target,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”) on “Til Death,” 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox, and “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Christie Brinkley (“Vacation”) on “Ugly Betty,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Bruno Campos (“Nip/Tuck”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Baron Davis (Los Angeles Clippers) on “The Forgotten,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Jordan Farmer (Los Angeles Lakers) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Laurence Fishburne (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday and “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Adam Goldberg (“The Unusuals”) on “NUMB3RS,” 7 p.m. Saturday on CBS.
••Rick Gonzalez (“Reaper”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Richard Kind (“Spin City”) on “Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”) on “Sesame Street,” 9 a.m. Thursday on OETA-13.
••Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) on “Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Debi Mazar (“Entourage”) on “Sesame Street,” 9 a.m. Tuesday on OETA-13.
••Sam Page (“Mad Men”) on “Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Chazz Palminteri (“The Usual Suspects”) on “Modern Family,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”) on “Sesame Street,” 9 a.m. Tuesday on OETA-13.
••Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”) on “Glenn Martin, DDS,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon.
••Sarah Paulson (“Down with Love”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Walter Perez (“Fame”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Tyler Perry (“Madea Goes to Jail”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) on “Human Target,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox, and “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Autumn Reeser (“The O.C.”) on “Human Target,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••J. August Richards (“Raising the Bar”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Peter Riegert (“Damages”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Raini Rodriguez (“Paul Blart: Mall Cop”) on “I’m in the Band,” 6 p.m. Monday on Disney XD.
••Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Paul Rudd (“Role Models”) on “Sesame Street,” 9 a.m. Thursday on OETA-13.
••Sara Rue (“Eastwick”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Oleysa Rulin (“High School Musical”) on “Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) on “Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Shakira (Grammy-winning singer) on “Ugly Betty,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Keesha Sharp (“Girlfriends”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Tom Verica (“American Dreams”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Kevin Weisman (“Alias”) on “Human Target,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
TV Premieres and Finales airing Feb. 14-20, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Feb. 14.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
“The Amazing Race,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS (16th-season premiere).
“High Stakes Poker,” 8 p.m. Sunday on GSN (sixth-season premiere).
“Tool Academy,” 8 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (third-season premiere).
“How to Make It in America,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO (series premiere).
“16 and Pregnant,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (second-season premiere).
“LA Ink,” 9 p.m. Thursday on TLC (third season resumes).
“The Ricky Gervais Show,” 8 p.m. Friday on HBO (series premiere).
“The Life and Times of Tim,” 8:30 p.m. Friday on HBO (second-season premiere).
“Real Time With Bill Maher,” 9 p.m. Friday on HBO (eighth-season premiere).
“Comedy Central Presents” 10 p.m. Friday on Comedy Central (14th-season premiere).
ENDINGS
“Cake Boss,” 8 p.m. Monday on TLC (second-season finale).
“Maneaters,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (first-season finale).
“Paranormal Cops,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (first-season finale).
“The Woman Who Stops Traffic,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (series finale).
“The Inbetweeners,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on BBC America (first-season finale).
“Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (second-season finale).
Pictured above: THE AMAZING RACE 16 contenders.
Top Row LtoR: Louis and Michael, Brent and Caite
Middle Row LtoR: Jordan and Daniel, Jet and Cord, Monique and Shawne, Joe and Heidi
Bottom Row LtoR: Dana and Adrian, Jordan and Jeff, Carol and Brandy, Jody and Shannon, Steve and Allison
Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS
Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 14-20, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 14:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, FEB. 14
••“The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): Oklahomans Jet and Cord McCoy are among the 11 teams competing in the 40,0000-mile race across five continents. Other teams include “Big Brother 11″ houseguests Jordan Lloyd and Jeff Schroeder, 2007 Miss South Carolina Teen USA Caite Upton and her boyfriend, Brent, and Cleveland Indian third-base coach Steve Smith and his daughter, Allison.
••“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Newly discovered details about the mugger of Valen’s mother, a joint custody request from Miller’s ex and brewing legal hurdles for Rush (Kathryn Morris) vex those team members as they attempt to solve the 1983 murder of a graffiti artist. Guest starring are Michael Badalucco (“The Practice”), Rick Gonzalez (“Reaper”), Keesha Sharp (“Girlfriends”) and Walter Perez (“Fame”).
••“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (8 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Tyler Perry (“Madea Goes to Jail”) joins the team in Prince George’s County, MD, to help a couple who have put the well-being of neighborhood kids ahead of their own living conditions.
••“High Stakes Poker” (8 p.m. on GSN): Season 6 features the toughest line-up of professional poker players ever, resulting in the type of action that any poker fan would yearn for and learn from. Professional poker player Kara Scott joins Gabe Kaplan to co-host this season.
••“How to Make It in America” (9 p.m. on HBO): This new series follows two enterprising Brooklyn twentysomethings as they hustle their way through New York City trying to make a name for themselves in New York’s competitive fashion scene. Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk) use their street knowledge and connections to bring their ambitions to fruition.
••“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In this adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey,” Felicity Jones stars as in-love-with-love Catherine Morland, who is thrown into high society via her patrons. She falls in love, but monetary and social issues get in the way.
••“Sexting in America: When Privates Go Public” (8 p.m. on MTV): This 30 minute special examines how ‘sexting’ is impacting youth culture and relationships, the stakes involved and how this trend is becoming a new frontier for teen dating abuse.
••“Sextistics: Your Love Life” (8 p.m. on TLC): Ever wondered if there is a smoother path down the rocky road of love? Or how your love life matches up with the rest of the nation? This special reveals the startling answers.
••”The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Simpsons head to the 2010 Vancouver Games where Marge and Homer compete as part of a curling team. Bob Costas (guest-voicing as himself) reports.
••“Starstruck” (7 p.m. on Disney): Sterling Knight (“Sonny With A Chance”) and Danielle Campbell (“Prison Break”) star in this music and adventure-filled movie about a Hollywood pop star who, after meeting a down-to-earth girl visiting from the Midwest, is faced with either following his heart or doing what’s best for his career.
••”Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): Ally sends Doug to a shrink (Mayim Bialik, “Blossom”) to cure his mysterious illness.
••“Tool Academy 3” (8 p.m. on VH1): A new class of bad boyfriends and girlfriends learn what it takes to fix their relationships in Season 3.
••“Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Coby Brooks, President and CEO of “Hooters” goes undercover in his own company, he finds himself struggling to keep up in a fast-paced kitchen and is, later, forced to take immediate action when a restaurant manager steps out of line.
••“The Visitors” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the exhausting journey of individuals as they leave their homes every weekend and travel to various prisons in Upstate New York to visit loved ones. Every Friday night about 800 people, mostly women and children, gather at Columbus Circle in Manhattan and board buses. Depending on the destination, the trips can take 8 or 10 hours one way.
MONDAY, FEB. 15, 2010
••“The 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” (7 p.m. today and Tuesday on USA Network): Tamron Hall (MSNBC Live”) will co-host the event with David Frei, longtime breeder-owner-handler and judge in the world of purebred dogs. Entries this year total 2,500 dogs representing 48 states, the District of Columbia and at least eight foreign countries. The highest breed entered is the Australian Shepherds with 44.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour One from Madison, Wisc., include an art deco charm bracelet, an heirloom 1938 Martin D-18 guitar and an angry letter from Frank Sinatra to Chicago Daily News columnist Mike Royko.
••“Celebrity Close Calls” (9 p.m. on BIO Channel): Celebrities Jane Seymour (“Modern Men”), Erik Estrada (“ChiPs”), Leif Garrett (“Popstar”) and Coolio (“Three Days to Vegas”) tell their tales where each were forced to face their own mortality in shocking, unexpected twists of fate. They describe the out of body visions they experienced and how they fought “the white light.” Garrett plunged his Porsche off a highway, paralyzing his passenger. Estrada was crushed by his motorcycle on the set of “ChiPs.” Coolio nearly died from an asthma attack. And Seymour was left fighting for her life after a routine injection gone wrong.
••“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio Caine calls Las Vegas CSI Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI”) to come to Miami when a severed leg found in the Everglades is discovered to belong to a girl who went missing in Las Vegas a week earlier.
••“Facing Ali” (8 p.m. on SPIKE): This documentary delves into the life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in and out of the ring through the eyes of those who fought him. Among those interviewed are George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ken Norton and Leon Spinks.
••“Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Casey is ready to discuss the future with Cappie, and the situation isn’t helped by handsome Washington politician Joel (Sam Page, “Mad Men”), who encourages Casey to envision a potential career in politics after she volunteers to help him with his voter registration campaign at the Cyprus Rhodes campus. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) and Oleysa Rulin (“High School Musical”) also guest star.
••“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): While Barney tries to convince Robin to become an American citizen, Ted and Marshall’s fabled road trip takes a wrong turn when Marshall invites Lily. Guest star Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) narrates the audio book played during Marshall and Ted’s road trip.
••”I’m in the Band” (6 p.m. on Disney XD): Arlene (Raini Rodriguez, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”) invites Tripp and his band mates over to her house for a gathering honoring the demise of Hip Hop.
••”One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Nathan tries to help Haley and Jamie confront Lydia’s seemingly hopeless situation. Series star Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley) directed the episode
••“The Penguins of Madagascar” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the show’s first special, “Dr. Blowhole’s Revenge,” Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) guest stars as the penguins’ long-time nemesis out for revenge and to finally conquer the world.
••“Picturing the Presidents” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special that looks at the photos, caricatures and portraits that have captured, satirized and humanized past presidents. From the portrait that enraged LBJ to the bad-hair-day photograph that almost cost Lincoln the election, the pictures that elicit reactions are as divisive as the subjects themselves.
••“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): The new school counselor, Dr. Bink (Mayim Bialik, “Blossom”), organizes Grant High School’s first mother/daughter dance during which each group learns a great deal about the other and their respective personal lives.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy gets chased by the British Army in some of their latest and most deadly toys. Olympic gold-medal winning sprinter Usain Bolt is featured in the “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment.
••“Yoga Inc.” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary takes an in-depth look into the world of yoga, examining an ancient spiritual practice and its controversial transformation into a competitive, commercialized, multi-million dollar industry.
TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 2010
••”16 and Pregnant” (9 p.m. on MTV): This series, back for Season 2, looks inside the lives of 10 teenagers as they face the challenges that come with being a young parent. For 5-7 months, the series follows these teens as they navigate the unfamiliar territory and uncertainty of being pregnant.
••”The Forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The Forgotten Network sets out to identify a 40-year-old woman found murdered in a local bar. One of the primary suspects is a superstar basketball player (Baron Davis, LA Clippers), who had an altercation with Jane Doe days before.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia prepares to defend a scientist accused of arson, she is caught off guard when Peter’s attorney asks her to testify on Peter’s behalf sooner than she expected. Peter Riegert (“Damages”) guest stars as the judge in Peter’s appeal.
••”Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Mine/Home” explores the vital bond between humans and animals, as demonstrated in the attempts by Hurricane Katrina victims to find their pets.
••”Maneaters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Using real footage mixed with dramatic reconstructions, survivors of tiger and leopard attacks talk through their gut-wrenching encounters while experts explain the reasons why these predators are turning on people.
••”Paranormal Cops” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): In the season finale, a fellow police officer calls Ron and the team in to help uncover the mysteries surrounding his night job as a security guard at a banquet hall, where the investigators find there could be multiple spirits trying to communicate with the living.
••”Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Celebrity guest Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”) gets some help from Super Grover while she’s waiting for Big Bird. Debi Mazar (“Entourage”) presents the word on the street, which is “humungous.”
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17, 2010
••”30 Bizarre Inventions” (7 p.m. on FLN): This special takes a look back at some of the more unique products that have been featured on television over the years.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A big rig accident results in the discovery of an interstate trucking ring that specializes in human cargo and black market organ harvesting, which sets off a race against time to save a hostage. Laurence Fishburne (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) guest stars.
••”American Idol” (8 p.m. on Fox): This season’s Top 24 semifinalists will be revealed.
••”Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Becoming American” explores the diverse journeys of new arrivals during the “century of immigration.” Stephen Colbert’s (“The Colbert Report”) great-great-grandfather escapes poverty in Ireland, while chef Mario Batali’s great-grandfather struggles in Montana, and the great-grandfather of Queen Noor of Jordan settles in New York.
••”Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance, Winston and Guerrero devise an elaborate plan to break into a maximum-security high-rise to rescue a computer genius (Kevin Weisman, “Alias”) being held against his will. Autumn Reeser (“The O.C.”), Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) and Garcelle Beauvais-Niloon (“Eyes”) guest star.
••”The Inbetweeners” (8:30 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 1 finale, four hapless heroes at Rudge Park Comprehensive all still trying to work out how to be cool. Season 2 begins Feb. 24.
••”Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): Surrounded by FBI, the team decides to hide in plain sight, while continuing to take down the corrupt mayor and his gunrunning partner. Little do they suspect that Nate has a different endgame in mind for them all in the Season 2 finale. Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) and Richard Kind (“Spin City”) guest star.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”) might be secretly gay.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Things should be dreamy at a Bahamas resort, where even Shakira (portraying herself) is staying, but Betty has a nightmarish photo shoot after Willie learns her nemesis, Penelope Graybridge (Christie Brinkley, “Vacation”), snagged a coveted job.
••”The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Victoria Beckham (“Spice World”) makes her first appearance as a celebrity guest co-host. Her first guest appearance on show as a guest was September 2009.
••”The Woman Who Stops Traffic” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In the series finale, the journey of professional trouble-shooter Kris Murrin concludes. She provides several services to get the residents of Durham walking, cycling and using public transport.
THURSDAY, FEB. 18, 2010
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (9 p.m. on CBS): Catherine, Nick and the rest of the team help Langston investigate a prostitution ring that may have harbored a hostage he has been searching for in Miami and New York while delving into a human trafficking operation.
••”Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): In his new role as Chief, Derek restores the hospital lecture series, and Richard, Bailey and Callie present to the group pivotal surgical cases from their pasts. Sarah Paulson (“Down with Love”) and J. August Richards (“Raising the Bar”) guest star.
••”LA Ink” (9 p.m. on TLC): This docu-series following tattoo artist Kat Von D and her shop, High Voltage, continues to feature new great tattoos with compelling stories behind them. However, it’s not all fun and games as Kat is forced to really manage her business and her employees.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): As Violet continues to help Sam with Maya’s wedding, Naomi refuses to take part as she works with Addison and Pete to save the life of a 25-week-old premature baby. Rosanna Arquette (“Pulp Fiction”), Sara Rue (“Eastwick”) and Bruno Campos (“Nip/Tuck”) guest star.
••”Reporter” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): This documentary follows New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof as he goes in search of individuals whose stories reflect the desperate crisis unfolding in the war-torn Congo.
••”Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Celebrity guest Paul Rudd (“Role Models”) plays a prince attempting to rescue a pengiun in distress. Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”) presents the word on the street, which is “exquisite.”
FRIDAY, FEB. 19, 2010
••”Comedy Central Presents” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comedians Tony Rock and Doug Williams are featured in back-to-back premiere episodes for Season 14 of the stand-up talent showcase.
••”The Life and Times of Tim” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): This animated comedy series, back for Season 2, follows Tim, a twentysomething New Yorker who has a habit of befriending unreliable characters who repeatedly get him into serious trouble.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison develops a strange sensitivity to light, the sunglasses she wears reveal mysterious numbers that could tie into people’s life expectancies. Tom Verica (“American Dreams”) and Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) guest star.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two FBI agents are killed during a shootout with bank robbers, the team must investigate what exactly happened. Jordan Farmer (Los Angeles Lakers) guest stars.
••”Real Time With Bill Maher” (9 p.m. on HBO): Back for Season 8, this show allows host Bill Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues and includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.
••”The Ricky Gervais Show” (8 p.m. on HBO): This new series animates podcasts voiced by Ricky Gervais, his longtime collaborator Stephen Merchant and friend Karl Pilkington, whose offbeat musings inspire many of the storylines. The podcasts, which first appeared on The Guardian website, earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most downloads.
SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 2010
••”NUMB3RS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a series of murders that they realize are being copied from scenes out of a soon-to-be-released movie. Adam Goldberg (“The Unusuals”) guest stars.
••“Precious: The Story Behind the Movie” (7 p.m. on TV Guide Network): This special documents the film’s journey from page to screen and includes never-before-seen film footage, interviews with the director and cast members, and reactions from filmgoers who have seen the movie and been touched by its story.
–Penny TV
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Feb. 7-13, 2010
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 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Feb. 7.
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.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
GUEST STARS
••Elizabeth Banks (“Scrubs”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Kathy Bates (“The Blindside”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”) on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”) on “Pit Boss,” 9 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet.
••Jon Bon Jovi (“Ally McBeal”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) on “Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Benjamin Bratt (“Miss Congeniality”) on “Modern Family,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Deanne Bray (“Sue Thomas” F.B.Eye”) on “Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••David Brenner (“Worth Winning”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Bob Eubanks (“The Newlywed Game”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 8 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Scott Foley (“The Unit”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Jasmine Guy (“Dead Like Me”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Richard Kind (“Mad About You”) on “Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Perry King (“Melrose Place”) on “Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”) on “Chuck,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••John Larroquette (“Boston Legal”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Kristin Lehman (“Prison Break”) on “Human Target,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Thad Luckinbill (“The Young and the Restless”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••James McDaniel (“NYPD Blue”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Tim Meadows (“Saturday Night Live”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jim Nantz (“NFL on CBS”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”) on “Til Death,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Danica Patrick (race car driver) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Amy Pietz (“Caroline in the City”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Pamela Reed (“Jericho”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Elizabeth Rohm (“Law & Order”) on “Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Antonio Sabato Jr. (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Phil Simms (“NFL on CBS”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Sissy Spacek (“Carrie”) on “Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Joe Spano (“NYPD Blue”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Justin Theroux (“Tropic Thunder”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Joe Torre (Los Angeles Dodgers manager) on “Castle,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC.
••James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”) on “Mercy,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Michael Weston (“Gamer”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Zack Woods (“The Honkys”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Susan Yeagley (“I’m Not Gay”) on “Til Death,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
Pictured above: 30 ROCK — “Anna Howard Shaw Day” Episode 113 — Pictured: (l-r) — Photo by: Ali Goldstein/NBC
