Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 16-22, 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. 16:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, AUG. 16
◊“2 Months, $2 Million” (8 p.m. on G4): This new series follows four young online poker pros, who move to Las Vegas for the summer with the goal of collectively earning $2 million in two months. While Brian, Emil, Jay and Dani seem to eat, sleep and drink poker, they also take time out to explore the Vegas scene.
◊“Cracking the Ocean Code” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): Join genome pioneer J. Craig Venter on a globe-circling ocean voyage, seeking new life forms and genetic secrets that could help solve the planet’s most urgent energy and climate challenges.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): The crew of the Antares face their first major crisis when the ship inexplicably begins to shut down all of its operating systems, causing the sudden failure of power, heat and gravity controls and plunging everyone aboard into chaos during the desperate search for a solution.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Eric considers the management-company offer while trying to patch things up with Ashley following a Freudian slip.
◊“Hudson Plane Crash — What Really Happened” (8 p.m. on TLC): New footage and exclusive interviews wuth crew, survivors and rescuers tell the story of Flight 1549 that lost both engines over New York City and landed without a single death.
◊“Kourtney and Kloe Take Miami” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series follows sisters Kourtney and Kloe Kardashian as they leave Los Angeles and move to South Beach to launch a second DASH boutique.
◊“Mad Men” (9 p.m. on AMC): Change is in the air at Sterling Cooper, the ad agency at the center of this drama series beginning its third season. At the end of last season, the agency had new owners from across the pond, and Don (Jon Hamm) had just found out he and Betty (January Jones) had a baby on the way. A marathon of Season 2′s 13 episodes begins at 6 a.m., leading up to the Season 3 premiere that will be presented with limited commercial breaks.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Inspector Lewis mystery “Old School Ties,” Lewis and Hathaway (Kevin Whately, Laurence Fox) are assigned to protect a former computer criminal (Owen Teale), now a successful author, when he comes to speak at Oxford. It’s a dull job until a student turns up strangled and the author is shot.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 a.m. on SoapNet): Go back to school with the network’s five-hour marathon of the show’s school-themed episodes.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Arthur kills a unicorn, a curse descends on Camelot, threatening the destruction of the mythical city.
◊“My Antonio” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows “General Hospital” star Antonio Sabato Jr. on his search for true love. Thirteen women will be competing for his affection, and Sabato’s ex-wife even shows up and asks him to take her back.
◊“The Pink Panther” (7 p.m. on BBC America): The network is devoting the next three Sundays to celebrating Peter Sellers’ work as Inspector Clouseau, beginning with the 1964 comedy written and directed by Tulsa native Blake Edwards.
◊“Reality Hell” (9:45 p.m. on E!): The subjects of this hidden-camera hybrid show think they are contestants on a real reality show. They gear up for their 15 minutes of fame, only to have it turn into a time of infamy.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): The sharks consider biting into a gourmet food business, and the bidding for a life-saving idea reached $1 million.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Elvis Presley is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing on the 32nd anniversaey of his death are 1957′s “Jailhouse Rock” (noon), 1967′s “Clambake” (5:15 p.m.) and 1958s’s “King Creole” (9 p.m.).
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from John Carpenter of Hamden, Conn. He was the show’s first $1 million winner who used “Phone a Friend” on his last question to call his dad that he knew the answer and was about to win.
MONDAY, AUG. 17
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): A murder case involving extreme plastic surgery leads Horatio to Ron Saris, who is alive and seeking revenge on Julia. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) and Brooke Burns (“Miss Guided”) guest star.
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the Season 1 finale, a family-owned business asks Buddy and Carlo’s team to honor their patriarch by creating a special cake featuring their company’s product — fireworks.
◊“Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi” (8 p.m. on HBO): Ajmal Naqshbandi was a young Afghan hired as a translator by foreign journalists covering events in his homeland. In 2007, he was hired by an Italian journalist to secure an interview with a top Taliban commander, but it turned out to be his final job, ending in a highly publicized kidnapping and murder.
◊“Flipping Out” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Obsessive-compulsive house-flipper Jeff Lewis returns for a third season of his docu-series. The economy has taken its toll on his business, and Jeff hires some fresh new faces in hopes of turning things around.
◊“Glenn Martin, DDS” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new stop-motion animated comedy follows the offbeat adventures of dentist Glenn Martin and his family, who trade in the suburbs for a life on the road in an RV, which doubles as Glenn’s dentist office. The voice cast includes Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”), Catherine O’Hara (“For Your Consideration”) and Judy Greer (“Arrested Development”).
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The competition intensifies among the remaining three families as they cross into California and fight to secure a spot in the final two.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a dagger that may have belonged to dictator Benito Mussolini, letters from a man who may have been part of the post-slavery exodus to Liberia and a device that could have had something to do with nuclear attack preparedness.
◊“Hoarders” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new series delves into the lives of people who fill their homes with stuff and can’t throw anything out. The premiere introduces Jennifer and Ron, whose house is so cluttered they’re afraid their children will be taken away.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Barney and Abby realize that they have one thing in common — their mutual hatred of Ted — the “couple” decides to go to the bar to flaunt their new relationship in Ted’s face. Britney Spears (“Crossroads”) guest stars.
◊“Lloyd Boston’s Style at Any Age” (8 p.m. on FLN): Lloyd Boston (“Closet Cases” host) helps three women — a single girl in her 20s, a stay-at-home mother in her 30s and a career woman in her 40s — find their unique style self. Boston will address elements of fashion, as well as the tools each woman will need to help them go after their goals and achieve the lifestyle that they want.
◊“Objects and Memory” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Frank Langella (“Kitchen Confidential”) narrates this special that examines the response to items recovered or offered after 9/11 and other national tragedies.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Tulsa-born actress Jennifer Jones is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1964’s “Ruby Gentry” (9 a.m.), 1952′s “Carrie” (8:30 p.m.) and 1955′s “Good Morning, Miss Dove” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This British series enters its seventh season of taking extraordinary and ordinary cars to the limit and beyond to find out if they’re as good as their manufacturers claim. Celebrity guests, industry experts, racing drivers and car nuts join hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Jason May and Richard Hammond to give new cars a thorough examination.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Brian Fodera of Los Angeles. He was the show’s second contestant to get the first question wrong.
TUESDAY, AUG. 18
◊“Masters of Reception” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the series premiere, reception masters Robert and Jerry Frungillo have their work cut out for them with two big wedding extravaganzas in one weekend.
◊“Miami Social” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 1 finale, George’s mom is coming to town for a visit and he is nervous about her meeing Lina, who infurieates George by not showing up for dinner with his mother and friends.
◊“Nova scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson looks into personal genetic profiling. He also visits an algae farm in Texas where researchers are working on ways to harvest fuel from the organisms. Another segment goes beneath the Arctic Ocean in search of clues to whether one of Jupiter’s moons could sustain life.
◊“Shaq Vs.” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new competition series, NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will take his athletic prowess beyond the basketball court and strive to become a champion in a new sporting event each week. In the premiere episode, Shaq takes on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in a football challenge. In upcoming episodes, Shaq will challenge Olympian Michael Phelps in swimming, Wimbledon champion Serena Williams in tennis, fighter Oscar de la Hoya in boxing, St. Louis Cardinals player Albert Pujols in baseball and Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor in beach volleyball.
◊“Secret Lives of Women” (9 p.m. on WEtv): This series continues its fearless portrait of women facing out-of-the-ordinary situations. Season 5 opens with “Mothers of Murderers,” in which women whose children have killed try to come to terms with the pain, regret and forgiveness it takes to carry on with their lives. Other topics this season include extreme diets, cults, nast divorces and mail order brides.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: John Wayne is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1960’s “The Alamo” (11 a.m.), 1965′s “The Sons of Katie Elder” (7 p.m.) and 1969′s “True Grit” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Time Team America” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The archaeologists have three days to map, dig and uncover what remains of Fort James, S.D. In 1865, a unit of cavalry soldiers were sent there to defend pioneer settlers against Sioux Indians.
◊“The Universe” (8 p.m. on History): With ground-breaking new discoveries and even more stunning high-definition computer animations, it’s a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time in Season 4. Topics this season include the lethal surprises of our ringed planets, quasars that burn with the intensity of a trillion suns and a countdown of the biggest blasts to ever rock the cosmos.
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Pete and Myka rejoin their Secret Service detail in Washington to intercept a samurai sword that’s about to be given as a gift to the president. CCH Pounder (“The Shield”) guest stars.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Doug Van Gundy of Elkins, W.V. He won $250,000 in 1999, which at the time was the largest amount of money won in a single network game show appearance.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19
◊“Black Gold” (9 p.m. on truTV): In Season 1, competing oil crews put everything they could into erecting their rigs and successfully drilling crude before the other crews could get to it. This season will focus on the roughnecks of Rig 28, who have a seemingly impossible job. Assembled by oilman Autry Stephens, they have only 50 days to try to save the lease on a very valuable piece of land before it expires.
◊“Bobb’e Says” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In this new series, Bobb’e J. Thompson (“30 Rock”) hits the streets, malls and beaches to dispense invaluable advice to the masses by telling them what not to do. He uses his charm, wit and personality, along with video clips of other people’s mistakes, to illustrate his hysterical words of wisdom.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the kidnapping of a young boy in Las Vegas, Dr. Reid begins to have dreams that may help reveal some buried memories from his childhood. Jane Lynch (“Two and a Half Men”) guest stars as Dr. Reid’s mother, Diana Reid.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a man falls 52 stories to his death and his body goes missing after it hits the ground, the CSIs must treat this strange development as a missing persons case. Thad Luckinbill (“The Young and the Restless”) and Craig T. Nelson (“Coach”) guest stars.
◊“Dude, What Would Happen” (7:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): Armed with an insatiable thirst for answers and an unlimited access to anything and everything, hosts CJ, Ali and Jackson conduct extreme experiments that lead to some very outrageous results in this new series. The trio of friends have no labs and no limits to what they’ll think of next.
◊“Fastest Growing Companies of 2009″ (8 p.m. on CNBC): Each September, Fortune Magazine publishes its fastest growing companies and six stocks to buy now list. CNBC Managing Editor Tyler Mathisen and Fortune Magazine Managing Editor Andy Serwer co-host this special that profiles five companies that made it onto the list, including the company that owns the No. 1 spot. The companies are ranked on revenue, earnings growth, and their stock returns over the past three years.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The series chronicling the exploits of Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, plumbers by day and amateur paranormal investigators by night, resumes its fifth season. In this episode, they’re on the trail of an “Inhuman Entity.”
◊“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Actress Jessica Hynes (“Doctor Who”) challenges chef Gordon Ramsay with her macaroni and cheese. And in the restaurant, the diners enjoy a three-course meal cooked by actor Christopher Biggins (“Revelations”) and family.
◊“In a Dream” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This documentary follows artist Isaiah Zagar and his muse and gallerist wife Julia who are fixtures in the South Philadelphia art scene. It was directed by their youngest son, Jeremiah, and offers a portrait of love and betrayal and the strength of family bonds.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Red Skelton is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1950’s “Watch the Birdie” (2:45 p.m.), 1941′s “Whistling in the Dark” (7 p.m.) and 1944′s “Bathing Beauty” (11:45 p.m.).
◊“Time Team Special Edition” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special two-hour presentation from the United Kingdom’s archaeolgy series “Time Team” takes viewers on an expedition to Jamestown, Va. The trip yields some fascinating finds that offer insight into the settlers and their fates.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Season 6 features two brothers among the 17 chef-testants. Cookbook author, actress and host Padma Lakshmi returns to preside over the judge’s table alongside judges Tom Colicchio, chef/owner of Craft Restaurants; Gail Simmons, Food & Wine magazine; and Toby Young, food critic. Also appearing in the premiere episode is chef Wolfgang Puck.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the first-season finale, three accomplished chefs stand to face their final challenge — the creation of a four-course meal, with each course inspired by a memoray from their past.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Dan Doody of Seattle. He was nicknamed “Doo dy” by Regis and won $1,000.
THURSDAY, AUG. 20
◊“Blog Cabin” (8 p.m. on DIY): Licensed contractor and home improvement expert Amy Matthews will host Season 3 of the interactive building series. Kevin “O’Connor (“This Old House”) will help create the mountainside vacation home, along with numerous DIY experts including Jason Cameron (“Man Caves”), Jimmy DiResta (“Against the Grain”). Once completed, the cabin will be given away to a lucky sweepstakes winner.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Hodges and Wendy run into each other at a science fiction convention for one of their favorite classic television shows, they end up investigating the murder of one of their beloved actors. Kate Vernon (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars as Dr. Penelope Russell.
◊“Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): This new companion series to “Project Runway” will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the reality competition – from the models’ perspective. Viewers can experience the drama, anxiety, joys, tears and frustrations as the models themselves face elimination each week and compete for a cash prize and photo spread in Marie Claire magazine.
◊“Most Popular” (9 p.m. on WEtv): This game show in which one woman braves a hailstorm of judgement and goes home with up to $10,000 just for being herself, ends its first-season run.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Heidi Klum returns as host for Season 6. Also returning are mentor Tim Gunn (Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer) and judges Michael Kors (fashion designer) and Nina Garcia (Fashion Director of Marie Claire Magazine), who will guide 16 new contestants as they show off their design skills to see who makes the cut for New York’s Fashion Week.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Miriam Hopkins is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1949’s “The Heiress” (5 p.m.), 1932′s “Trouble in Paradise” (8:45 p.m.) and 1935′s “Barbary Coast” (midnight).
◊“Wicked Attraction” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new installment focuses on Alicia Woodward and John Esposito, a young couple that traveled across the country and committed robberies in Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas and Alabama.
FRIDAY, AUG. 21
◊“Deadly Women” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): Back for a third season, this series investigates the motives of female murderers and takes viewers on a journey into the world of women who kill for thrills.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Eureka-fied baby gifts for Allison’s shower push the envelope of eco-friendly design and prove deadly when rival scientists are found drowned. Billy Campbell (“The 4400”) guest stars.
◊“Hard Rock Calling Festival” (8 p.m. on VH1 Classic): Hosts of “That Metal Show” take viewers back stage to the festival held June 12-14 in London. Headliners at the concert in Hyde Park include Bruce Springsteen and the E! Street Band, Neil Young, Dave Matthews Band and Ben Harper.
◊“Invitation Only: Reba McEntire” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music star Reba McEntire, who was born in McAlester, performs before a small audience in Nashville, Tenn. She also takes questions from fans and delivers revealing and candid answers.
◊“Jockeys” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): As Season 2 starts, the jockeys are inching closer to their dream of riding in the Kentucky Derby. Crey Nakatani, who suffered an injury and was out for two months, is ready to fight his way back to the top.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk assumes the identity of a dead hit man in an effort to foil an assassination plot. Guest stars include Reed Diamond (“Dollhouse”), Tim Bagley (“Will & Grace”) and Eric Balfour (“Six Feet Under”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the FBI is called in to investigate a series of home invasions, the team uses Charlie and his math skills to help profile the suspects, but when his calculations go awry during a raid, Don suffers a life-threatening injury. Michael Gaston (“Fringe”) guest stars.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Gene Hackman is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1961’s “Mad Dog Coll” (5 a.m.), 1964′s “Lilith” (5 p.m.) and 1988′s “Mississippi Burning” (11 p.m.).
SATURDAY, AUG. 22
◊“Acceptance” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Joan Cusack (“Working Girl”) and Mae Whitman (“Arrested Development”) star in the new comedy about the pressures of today’s col;ege admissions process. It is based on the critically acclaimed book “Acceptance: A Novel” by Susan Coll.
◊“Ask Aida” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In the season premiere, host Alsa Mollenkamp perfects three different types of burgers — a bacon cheeseburger topped with chilo mayo, a canjun veggie burger and cheesey sliders — to satisfy all cravings.
◊“Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?” (5:25 a.m. on Disney): Season 2 of this short-form animated series has Mikey helping his pet alligator, Al, learn about using proper manners in a number of new situations, including at family meals, at the supermarket and on an airplane trip.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment focuses on Oklahoma connections in cartoons and comic strips, including the fact that Donald Duck is from Watonga, an Enid man created Dick Tracy and Yogi Bear camps in Eufaula.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Sterling Hayden is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1955’s “Battle Taxi” (5 a.m.), 1949′s “Manhandled” (9 p.m.) and 1952′s “The Golden Hawk” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Without a Trace” (7 p.m. on CBS): Series star Eric Close (Martin Fitzgerald) directed this episode in which Jack grudgingly agrees to search for Hannah’s boyfriend who disappears after he runs away from Chicago to be with her in New York. Adam Kaufman (boyfriend of series star Poppy Montgomery) reprises his role as Brian Donovan, the father of Samantha’s son, Finn.
–Penny TV
Even Amy Winehouse would like this “Rehab” offer
Want to go to Rehab? truTV has a booking for two in December.
The network’s “Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel Sweepstakes” is under way, with the winner receiving a VIP cabana at Rehab. The world-famous pool party attracts thousands of trendsetters and celebrities to Las Vegas every Sunday in spring and summer.
The sweepstakes package also includes roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Hard Rock merchandise for the winner and one guest.
To enter, go to www.truTV.com/sweepstakes between now and Dec. 9. For exclusive access to Rehab now, check out truTV’s new series “Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel” airing at 9 p.m. Tuesdays. It follows the fun and action poolside, as seen from the perspectives of a no-nonsense staff.
–Penny TV
truTV is paging all principals
Tulsa East Central High School principal Tom O’Malley was featured on the first season of truTV’s reality series “The Principal’s Office.”
Producers of the show are seeking more dedicated high school administrators like him for Season 2.
The series offers an all-access look at the daily drama that principals face when class is in session. Viewers get a first-hand look at how they handle students and how their roles are critical to the well-being of their schools.
To nominate a funny, tough or interesting principal, go to www.trutv.com/shows/principals_office/. New episodes of “The Principal’s Office” will premiere in January.
–Penny TV
Program Planner: Nov. 9-15
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 9:
SUNDAY, NOV. 9
◊“America’s Veterans: A Musical Tribute” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): Clint Black, Patti LaBelle and the United States Air Force Band are among the performers in this concert honoring veterans in all five branches of the U.S. military.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team reopen the 1969 case of a murdered 12-year-old boy after a toy rocket bearing his name is given to the retired cop who worked on the case. Greg Evigan (“My Two Dads”) guest stars.
◊“Entourage” (9 p.m. on HBO): Eric’s new client (Bow Wow) gets his pilot script picked up, but the studio wants to cast Eric’s arch-nemeses, Seth Green, in the lead role.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “God on Trial” tells the story of a group of concentration camp inmates who, while facing extermination in Auschwitz, charged the Lord with abandoning His chosen people.
◊“Summer Heights High” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Series creator and writer Chris Lilley stars in this unconventional new comedy series from Australia that looks at high school life through the lens of fictional documentary filmmakers. Real high school students and faculty interact with the show’s three characters, all played by Lilley.
◊“Witness to Jonestown” (8 p.m. on MSNBC): This new special that coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre in Guyana features rarely-seen footage that was shot inside the Peoples Temple in the eve and day of the disaster.
◊“Orangutan Island: Cheating Extinction” (6 p.m. on Animal Planet): Virginia Madsen (“Sideways”) narrates this special that focuses on Lone Droscher-Nielsen, a former flight attendant who has dedicated her life to saving orangutans. She is the pioneer and founder of the largest primate rescue project in the world, the Nyaru Menteng Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
MONDAY, NOV. 10
◊“Boston Legal” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Jerry Espenson insists on defending himself in court when he’s accused of aggravated assault after a run-in with a bully. Roma Maffia (“Nip/Tuck”) guest stars.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck runs into his ex-girlfriend (Jordana Brewster, “As the World Turns”) while on a Nerd Herd call. In an attempt to save face, he tells her that he is more successful than he really is.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): A man is found handcuffed and stabbed in his hotel room, while a prank at the lab causes a rift in the CSI team and threatens their investigation. Lucy Lawless (“Xena Warrior Princess”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Lily enlists Ted and Robin to help her make a life-changing decision to have a baby. Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years”) guest stars.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio” (7 p.m. on Bravo): In this 200th episode hosted by comedian Dave Chapelle, regular host James Lipton is the one being interviewed.
◊“Journey to Palomar” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special tells the story of American astronomer George Ellery Hale’s public and private struggle to build the four largest telescopes in the world, which set the stage for space exploration throughout the 20th century.
◊“Samantha Who?” (8:32 p.m. on ABC): While completing community service, Sam meets a troubled young woman (Mary-Kate Olsen, “So Little Time”) and and feels it’s her duty to help turn her life around.
TUESDAY, NOV. 11
◊“Blush: The Search for the Next Great Make-Up Artist” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Vanessa Marcil (“Las Vegas”) hosts this new reality competition series in which contestants compete for a contract as a professional artist with Max Factor, a cash prize of $100,000 and the opportunity to be the make-up artist for an upcoming In Style photo shoot.
◊“Body of War” (6 p.m. on Sundance): Written, produced and directed by talk show host Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, this award-winning documentary explores the experience of Iraq War veteran Tomas Young, whose spine was severed by a sniper’s bullet within a week of arriving in Iraq, leaving him paralyzed for life at age 25.
◊“Cha$e” (9 p.m. on SCI FI): Trey Farley (“Bend It Like Beckham”) hosts this new reality competition series that features a group of contestants trying to stay “alive” while being pursued by “hunters” through a variety of Los Angeles locations. The longer they stay in the game, the more difficult it gets, but the money piles up for every second they remain standing.
◊“Extreme Trains” (9 p.m. on History): Train conductor Matt Bown hosts this new series that reveals the inner workings and past lives of locomotives that haul huge loads across the nation and deliver passengers to their destinations.
◊“Heroes at Home” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Howie Long (“Fox NFL Sunday”) hosts this Veteran’s Day special in which six military heroes share their experiences of service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
◊“REHAB: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel” (9 p.m. on truTV): This new series gives viewers exclusive access to the world-famous pool party Rehab in Las Vegas. It follows the fun and action poolside, as seen from the perspectives of a no-nonsense staff.
◊“Transcending Bonds: The 75th Infantry NETA Division” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In May 2004, 10 members of the 75th Infantry Division returned to Belgium to see where the unit fought in the Battle of the Bulge. This new film documents the enduring bond of friendship between the American veterans and Belgian citizens.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12
◊The 42nd Annual CMA Awards (7 p.m. on ABC): Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, the reigning CMA male and female Vocalists of the year, will co-host this year’s event live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn. Kenny Chesney received the most nominations with seven, followed by Jennifer Nettles with six and George Strait and Sugarland with five each.
◊“Estate of Panic” (9 p.m. on SCI FI): Steve Valentine (“Crossing Jordan”) hosts this new reality competition series in which large quantities of cash are hidden in a massive estate and seven strangers are invited to find the money. The contestants will be challenged throughout the mansion to overcome the terrors that await them.
◊“Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new six-part miniseries goes behind the scenes with the royal family and its staff for an unprecedented look at life in the palace and beyond. The first two installments follow the preparations as four localities get ready for a visit from the queen.
◊“Top Chef: New York” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 features 17 new chef’testants who will be skewered down week by week as they compete to out-cook each other to claim $100,000 in seed money to help open a restaurant. Host Padma Lakshmi returns along with head judge Tom Colicchio (chef/owner of Craft Restaurants).
THURSDAY, NOV. 13
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Liz and Jenna’s friend Claire (Jennifer Aniston, “Friends”) visits New York and falls hard for Jack.
◊“Dirty Driving: Thundercars of Indiana” (9 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary visits Anderson, Ind., the town that lost 33,000 jobs when General Motors closed its plant there. Many people have left, but for those who stayed, the Friday night races at Anderson Speedway are a welcome distraction.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): Anthony Edwards, whose character Dr. Mark Greene succumbed to a brain tumor in 2002, returns as a guest star. He appears in flashbacks revealing that the hospital’s new chief of staff, Cate Banfield (Angela Bassett), had a past with him.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): One of Meredith’s oldest friends (Melissa George, “Alias”) becomes an intern at Seattle Grace, causing turmoil at the hospital and in Meredith’s personal life.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Sam Tyler finds it difficult to separate a life-and-death hostage situation taking place at County Hospital from his own strange circumstances. Bill Irwin (“Sesame Street”) guest stars.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Earl’s more successful and handsome cousin (Jason Priestly, “Tru Calling”) shows up on his wedding anniversary, Earl feels like a less-than-adequate husband.
◊“This Old House Hour” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In an effort to help homeowners dealing with high heating and cooling bills, the show’s experts will devote an entire episode to making homes energy efficient.
FRIDAY, NOV. 14
◊“A/K/A Tommy Chong” (6:30 p.m. on Showtime): This 2005 documentary revisits the arrest of Tommy Chong — best known as half of the stoner comedy duo Cheech & Chong — for dealing in drug paraphernalia.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the death of a former pro surfer-turned- park ranger, the team uncovers a shocking connection to another crime. Pro Surfer Brad Gerlach guest stars in the episode directed by Emilio Estevez (“The Breakfast Club”).
◊“Super-Manny” (8 p.m. on ABC): This new spin-off of the hit reality series ‘‘Supernanny” features Mike Ruggles, a developmental therapist who stresses the importance of calm and consistent discipline in taming unruly children. If enough viewers watch this special, ABC may turn it into a series.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): While coping with changes in her personal life, Melinda struggles to help a teenage ghost. Joanna Cassidy (“Six Feet Under”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, NOV. 15
◊“Accidental Friendship” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Chandra Wilson (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Kathleen Munroe (“Beautiful People”) star in this true story about a homeless woman and the Los Angeles police officer who tethers her to a lifeline.
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (7:30 p.m. on TBS): Bill is excited about Christmas and tries to spread the holiday spirit to his children. Just when it seems as though Bill will never get his perfect Christmas, miserly neighbor Mr. Faulkner (Brian Doyle-Murray, “Yes, Dear”) shows up with some unexpected surprises.
◊“Ricky Gervais: Out of England — The Stand-Up Special” (8 p.m. on HBO): British comic Ricky Gervais, star of ‘‘Extras” and creator and star of the British version of ‘‘The Office,” offers his unique take on such issues as fund-raising, fame, nursery rhymes and obesity. The special was taped last summer before a live audience at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
◊“The Two Mr. Kissels” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): This new docudrama is based on the true story of millionaire brothers Andrew and Robert Kissel (John Stamos, Anson Mount). Within three years of each other, both men were murdered.
–Penny TV
Tulsa citizens on truTV
truTV’s “Most Daring” series features ordinary people in extraordinary danger. And Wednesday’s (Oct. 29) episode will feature Tulsans in heart-pounding moments caught on tape.
Clips included in the new episode titled “Fighting Back 2″ airing at 7 p.m. show several outraged citizens of Tulsa defending themselves and others around them.
There’s a gusty shopper taking on a gunman trying to rob a grocery store, a vigilante confronting a bully in a park and baristas responding to an unruly customer.
Interviews with those who fought back will air along with the video footage.
–Penny TV
TV Talk: Oct. 19-25
The Oklahoman’s TV Talk personalities Penny Soldan and Heather Warlick tape a weekly video for Newsok.tv that highlights upcoming TV programs worth watching. (Mel Bracht fills in when Heather is away).
They’re not fast talkers, but just in case you didn’t catch all the information for a show of interest, here is their script for the week of Oct. 19:
P: Hi, I’m Penny Soldan, this is Mel Bracht and this is TV Talk, The Oklahoman’s weekly countdown of the Top 10 programs worth watching — or at least setting the DVR or VCR for.
M: No. 10 are two Food Network shows airing Saturday that feature recipes you might want to make for Halloween. At noon on “Giada at Home,” chef Giada De Laurentiis shares her recipes for Halloween spice cake with orange butter cream.
P: And at 7 p.m. on “Paula’s Party,” chef Paula Deen makes baked pumpkin ziti with fitness guru Richard Simmons, pumpkins cakes with Anna Gasteyer from “Saturday Night Live” and a spicy vampire dip with Kyle Massey from “Cory in the House.”
M: Sharing the No. 9 spot are five new reality shows. Monday on VH1 there’s “Real Chance of Love” at 8 p.m. and “Scream Queens” at 9 p.m. The first one revolves around bachelor brothers Real and Chance who are looking for love. And the latter follows 10 unknown actresses competing for a role in the upcoming movie “Saw 6.”
P: Also on Monday is “Ski Patrol” premiering at 7 p.m. on truTV. It spotlights an elite group of ski patrollers who keep the slopes safe. And on Tuesday, there’s “Living With the Wolfman” at 9 p.m. on Animal Planet” that follows a wolf expert, and “Rookies” at 8 p.m. on A&E that follows a new class of police academy cadets in Tampa, Fla.
M: Tying for No. 8 are two awards shows. “Scream 2008” airing at 8 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE honors the best in horror, science fiction, fantasy and comics. And the Third Annual BET Hip Hop Awards hosted by Katt Williams air at 7 p.m. Thursday on BET.
P: Two returning series come in at No. 7. The first is “Frank TV” starring impressionist Frank Caliendo, which begins its second season at 10 p.m. Tuesday on TBS. And on Thursday, Season 2 of “Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew” begins at 9 p.m. on VH1. Celebrity patients joining Dr. Drew Pinsky this season include Sean Stewart from “Sons of Hollywood” and Steven Adler from Guns n Roses.
M: No. 6 is the new special “Jose Canseco: Last Shot” airing at 9 p.m. Monday on A&E. It focuses on Jose Canseco, the Cuban-born baseball player who admitted to using steroids and named other players who did in his 2005 autobiography. Now in his 40s, he’s still taking the drugs and wants to get clean.
P: No. 5 are five guest stars making appearance on five primetime shows. See Nicole Richie at 7 p.m. Monday on NBC’s “Chuck,” Katie Holmes at 9:01 p.m. Tuesday on ABC’s “Eli Stone,” Dan Rather at 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money,” Lindsay Lohan at 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC’s “Ugly Betty” and Henry Winkler ay 9 p.m. Friday on CBS’s “NUMB3RS.”
M: No. 4 is “Rita Rocks,” a new sitcom premiering at 7:30 p.m. Monday on Lifetime. Nicole Sullivan from ‘‘MADtv” stars as the title character who forms a garage band. Oklahoma City-born actress Tisha Campbell-Martin from ‘‘My Wife and Kids” co-stars.
P: The new Hallmark Channel original movie “Generation Gap” is No. 3. It premieres at 8 p.m. Saturday and stars Ed Asner as a war veteran taking care of his rebellious grandson for the summer. Oklahoma native Rue McClanahan plays a waitress who pursues Asner’s character.
M: No. 2 is “Storm Chasers” which begins its second season at 9 p.m Sunday on Discovery. OU grad Reed Timmer joins the chase this season, which was filmed in and around Oklahoma during April, May and June.
P: And No. 1, if you don’t count Saturday’s college football games pitting the OU Sooners against Kansas State at 11:30 a.m. on FSNSW and the OSU Cowboys against Texas at 2:30 p.m. on ABC, is “Stylista.”
M: “Stylista,” which is featured on the Sunday Oklahoman’s TV Week cover, is a new reality series premiering at 8 p.m. Wednesday on The CW. Eleven aspiring fashion enthusiasts will carry out various tasks and editorial assignments each week, with the winner receiving a junior editor position at Elle magazine.
P: That’s a wrap for this week. For even more TV choices, consult TV Week in Sunday’s Oklahoman or go online to newsok.com/tv. For TV Talk, I’m Penny, this is Mel, thanks for your time.
Tulsa administrator in truTV’s “Principal’s Office”
Finally, a good reason to be sent to “The Principal’s Office.”
Tulsa East Central High School principal Tom O’Malley is one of the school administators featured in the new truTV series “The Principal’s Office” premiering at 8 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 21). He does not appear in the first two episodes, which air back-to-back, but look for him in one of the final six installments of the series.
“The Principal’s Office” gives viewers a ringside seat to the daily drama and outrageous excuses that school administators face. And there must be some doozies, because the truTV press release claims “viewers will cringe right along with the students as they witness the various situations these deans of discipline handle on a daily basis.”
Each half-hour episode introduces principals, their unique governing styles and their schools. And each time, several disciplinary issues unfold before the cameras.
The premiere episode, “Three Licks,” gets its title from the disciplinary choices offered by a principal in Arkansas: Saturday detenion or three licks from a paddle.
O’Malley (pictured in truTV Photo above) prefers for troublemakers to take responsibility for their actions. He cares deeply for his students, but he can be extremely tough on those who perform poorly out of sheer laziness.
–Penny TV
