The latest television news from NewsOK.com

‘She’s Got the Look’ more than a show on TVLandprime.com

   TVLandPrime.com has got a sweepstakes going on
for “She’s Got the Look.”
   The TV Land reality series is underway in its Season 2 search for the next supermodel age 35 or older. Catch new episodes at 8 p.m. Thursdays on TV Land, and get behind-the-scenes footage and extended exit interviews at www.TVLandPrime.com.
   And go online to get the model treatment with the “She’s Got the Look Sweepstakes.” Enter every day through July 31 for a chance to win one of 10 baskets of RoC skin-care products. One grand prize winner will also receive a day of pampering with three friends, plus photo portfolios.  
–Penny TV

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TV Premieres and Finales airing June 7-13

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 June 7.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
BEGINNINGS
••“Bridezillas,” 8 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (sixth-season premiere).
••“The Next Food Network Star,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (fifth-season premiere).
••“Web Soup,” 8 p.m. Sunday on G4 (series premiere).
••“The International Sexy Ladies Show,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on G4 (series premiere).
••“Amazing Wedding Cakes,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season premiere).
••“Army Wives,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (third-season premiere).
••“Brooke Knows Best,” 9 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••“Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” 9 p.m. Sunday on A&E (fourth-season premiere).
••“How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” 9 p.m. Sunday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Kendra,” 9 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“Denise Richards: It’s Complicated,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC (second-season premiere).
••“Ideal,” 10:30 p.m. Sunday on IFC (series premiere).
••“The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT (fifth-season premiere).
••“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC (NBC premiere).
••“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (fifth-season premiere).
••“Raising the Bar,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (second-season premiere).
••“Weeds,” 9 p.m. Monday on Showtime (fifth-season premiere).
••“Nurse Jackie,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Showtime (series premiere).
••“Food Party,” 10:15 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (series premiere).
••“The Wrong Door,” 10:30 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (series premiere).
••“Top Chef Masters,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“She’s Got the Look,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TV Land (second-season premiere).
••“Total Drama Action,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“16 & Pregnant,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Raising Sextuplets,” 9 p.m. Thursday on WEtv (series premiere). 
••“20Q,” 7 p.m. Saturday on GSN (series premiere).
••“The Money List,” 8:30 p.m. Saturday on GSN (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (first-season finale).
••“How to Find a Husband,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fine Living Network (first-season finale).
••“Pushing Daisies,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC (series finale).

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Top 55 TV Programs for June 7-13, 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 June 7:

SUNDAY, JUNE 7
◊“The 63rd Annual Tony Awards” (7 p.m. on CBS: Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) hosts the event live from Radio City Music Hall in New York. The musical “Billy Elliot,” based on the 2000 movie about a coal miner’s son with a passion for ballet, is nominated for 15 awards, tying 2001’s “The Producers” for the record. In the play category, “God of Carnage” has the distinction of having all its cast members nominated for acting honors: James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels and Hope Davis.
◊“Amazing Wedding Cakes” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Season 2 takes viewers behind the scenes of seriously high-stakes cakes that are works of art. The series also captures how the bakers dip into new ventures, ranging from opening a new shop with new staff, to working with wealthier clientele, including unpredictable brides that change their minds last minute.
◊“Army Wives” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 3 premiere, Frank gets ready lead mission in Iraq that could cause hurt for Denise.
◊“Bridezillas” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Season 6 introduces multiple women who will do anything to make their perfect weddings come true, no matter who they have to run over in the process. The premiere episode focuses on a California bride whose ego is matched only by her violent temper.
◊“Brooke Knows Best” (9 p.m. on VH1): Hulk Hogan’s daughter is back for a second season. While she has broken free from the family nest, she continues to deal with the pressure of adulthood including the advancement of her recording career as well as coping with family drama.
◊“Denise Richards: It’s Complicated” (9:30 p.m. on E!): From reconnecting with old friends to recharging her acting career, to supporting her dad’s new social life, Season 2 of the series will present a fresh look inside the hectic world of Denise Richards (“Starship Troopers”).
◊“Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (9 p.m. on A&E): Former Kiss rocker Gene Simmons and his unconventional family are back for Season 4 of their unscripted series. The 15-episode season kicks off with Sophie’s sweet sixteen party, giving viewers an all access pass to the milestone celebration.
◊“How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” (9 p.m. on BBC America): From all across the United Kingdom, thousands of singers and actresses audition in hopes of becoming Maria in the musical “The Sound of Music.” Graham Norton (“The Graham Norton Show”) visits with auditioners, and sitting at the judges table are Andrew Lloyd Webber (Tony and Grammy-winning composer) and John Barrowman (“Torchwood”).
◊“Ideal” (10:30 p.m. on IFC): British comedian Johnny Vegas stars in this eight-part series about Moz, a small-time dealer who lives in a run-down flat with his long-term girlfriend. Moz is content, but his girlfriend has aspirations for a better life.
◊“The International Sexy Ladies Show” (8:30 p.m. on G4): This new series features women in some of the funniest and most provocative television programming from around the globe with hilarious commentary from popular comedians.
◊“Kendra” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series follows the outrageous antics of the “Girls Next Door” star Kendra Wilkinson as she leaves her pampered world and adjusts to a new life filled with daily domestic duties. However Kendra’s adventures are only just beginning as she is busy planning her June wedding with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Hank Baskett at the Playboy Mansion.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): World War II-era sleuth Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen) investigates the murder of a young doctor in the “Foyle’s War” mystery “Broken Souls.” The victim was quite unpopular, so there are plenty of suspects, and Foyle feels a strong empathy for one of them. Sam (Honeysuckle Weeks) helps a friend whose husband, an injured former prisoner of war, has trouble adjusting to changes on the home front.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Television’s most challenging food fight is back for Season 5. Ten hopeful TV chefs will compete for the ultimate dream job: his or her own Food Network show. Iron Chef Bobby Flay leads the selection committee that will decide the winner.
◊“The Sun” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Take a journey to the sun using the latest technology, advances in astronomy and cutting-edge CGI animation. See how the sun was born, exists today and how our world will end when the sun consumes us all.
◊“Web Soup” (8 p.m. on G4): Stand-up comedian Chris Hardwick hosts this new series that offers a fresh look at the best – and worst – moments from the week’s Internet mayhem and presents topical web videos and viral classics with sarcastic tongue-in-cheek commentary.
◊“World’s Tallest Children” (9 p.m. on TLC): What is it like to tower head and shoulders above all of the teachers at your school, let alone your classmates and all of the older kids? Find out whether these vertically challenged kids enjoy being the world’s tallest children.
◊“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (7 p.m. on TCM): James Cagney won his only best actor Oscar for his performance in this 1942 musical. It is the first of 13 films Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) will present during “TCM Essentials Jr.” airing Sundays in summer. All films are ideal for parents to introduce to their children. 
◊“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): The series loosely based on the real lives of a New York based rock band returns for a second season. Brothers Paulie and David Z. and friend Joey Cassata make up the rock band ZO2 by night and the children’s party band The Z Brothers by day.

MONDAY, JUNE 8
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment “The Living Weapon” chronicles the United States’ efforts to create a biological weapons program in the 1940s and ’50s in response to reports that Germany and Japan were developing their own.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda Johnson, the Los Angeles deputy police chief with the unconventional approach but excellent crime-solving record, is back for another season of cracking tough homicide cases. In the season premiere, she and the squad have their hands full investigating a quadruple murder that may be tied to a case the FBI is involved with.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs investigate a murder in Miami’s hippest fashion boutique, Horatio discovers that Julia’s instability has turned her into a ticking bomb. Elizabeth Berkley (“Saved By the Bell”) guest stars.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): It’s Homecoming Week and the Kappa Taus’ team up with the ZBZ to go against IKI and the Omega Chis in the annual float competition. Tim Matheson (“Animal House”) directs this episode filled with homecoming floats fiascos and perilous pranks.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 5 premiere, Kathy Griffin considers offering a bribe in hopes of getting her comedy album nominated for a Grammy. But she doesn’t need to bribe Bette Midler, who wants to give Griffin a cameo in her Las Vegas stage show.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the NBC premiere, Detectives Goren and Eames enter the steamy world behind the pulpit when a devout celebrity doctor is murdered.
◊“Nurse Jackie” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Edie Falco (‘‘The Sopranos”) plays the title character in this new comedy-drama series, a nurse in a busy New York hospital who’s not afraid to lie or bend the rules if she thinks it’s in a patient’s best interests.
◊“Private Screenings: Stanley Donen” (7 p.m. on TCM): He received an honorary Oscar in 1998 for his body of work, but director Stanley Donen never won the Academy Award for any of his films, which included “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Kismet.”
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Jerry defends a man charged with abetting in the sale of crack.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake disappears with the daughter of Charlie’s neighbor, a former NFL player, and Charlie is left to cover his back. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
◊“Weeds” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Following the events of her bombshell announcement, the Season 5 begins as Nancy digs deeper into the drug world and finds comfort in an unlikely family member.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9
◊“Food Party” (10:15 p.m. on IFC): Brooklyn artist Thu Tran hosts this new series shot on location in a technicolor handmade, cardboard kitchen. Each episode features Thu interacting with a cavalcade of puppets, humans, baked goods, vegetables and other critters as they embark on journeys to bizarre, unexpected lands. 
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Silk Road Ensemble, a multinational group that shares music traditions from around the world, joins cellist Yo-Yo Ma for an outdoor show at the Damrosch Park band shell.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team must rely on information from some questionable individuals to stop a criminal bent on stealing government secrets. David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”) guest stars.
◊“Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment” (9 p.m. on Discovery): It is the final leg of the group’s journey in Alaska. The snow has fallen, temperatures have plummeted, and they are out of food. The search for signs of civilization has grown ever more important if they want to make it out of the wild.
◊“Starz Inside: The Face Is Familiar” (9 p.m. on Starz): This new documentary features actors and filmmakers discussing the struggles and significance of character actors in Hollywood. Among those starring in the special are Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction”), Joan Cusack (“What About Joan”) and Jane Lynch (“Glee”).
◊“Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” (9 p.m. on Style): The show’s 100th episode features wedding planner James Tramondo surprising a Dallas couple with an amazing – and totally free – dream destination wedding in Alaska. But there’s one big catch — they have only 100 hours to plan and pull off their perfect nuptials.
◊“The Wrong Door” (10:30 p.m. on IFC): This new Computer-Generated Imagery
enhanced British sketch comedy series is set in a parallel universe governed by the laws of comedy, not nature, where special effects seen in the movies and on television are part of everyday life.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Neil Young: Don’t Be Denied,” the musical artist uses previously unseen footage from his own archives to trace his long career from his early success with Buffalo Springfield through his stardom with Crosby, Stills and Nash and Crazy Horse to his later forays into new-wave music.
◊“Dollars & Danger: Africa, the Final Investment Frontier” (8 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Erin Burnett spent a year traveling to the world’s richest continent to find out why some investors are doubling down. This documentary focuses on Fortune 500 companies putting billions on the line and intrepid investors who say the reward is worth great risk.
◊“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): When hosts Adam and Jamie decide to find out if a sonic shock wave can shatter glass, they bring out the big guns — the Blue Angels. This episode also tests the myth on whether you can bend bullets around obstacles with a side-arm flick.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine agrees to go on a date with a children’s entertainer specializing in reptile parties in order to get Ritchie into the Reptile Club. Jeffrey Tambor (“Arrested Development”) guest stars as Neil, the lizard guy.
◊“Pitchmen” (9 p.m. on Discovery): One of Billy Mays’ most successful products – the Awesom Auger – was developed by a pitch guy who lost his legs in a plane crash.  Billy helped him sell his planting sensation and stay in the pitch game by re-vamping the advertisement.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In this new twist on the ‘‘Top Chef” formula, 24 world-renowned chefs, including Oklahoma City-born Rick Bayless, are pitted against one another to see who’s the best of the best. In the first six episodes, they compete in groups of four, with each group’s winner advancing to the finals. The winner gets $100,000 for his or her favorite charity.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11
◊“16 & Pregnant” (9 p.m. on MTV): According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, more than 700,000 teenage girls in the U.S. become pregnant each year. This show will take an intimate look inside the lives of pregnant teenagers as they face the challenges that come with being a young parent and dealing with relationships, finance, school and other new responsibilities.
◊“How to Find a Husband” (8 p.m. on Fine Living Network): Sally Gray’s search for a husband forced her to warm up to the concept of dating multiple men at once, and now she’s found at least four men of potential husband quality. But now the problem is that she can’t decide which one she wants to take things further with in the Season 1 finale.
◊“Raising Sextuplets” (9 p.m. on WEtv): On June 11, 2007, Jenny and Bryan Masche became first-time parents…of sextuplets. This new series follows the marathon-running parents as they learn the hard way that no training can prepare you for parenthood with multiples.
◊“She’s Got the Look” (8 p.m. on TV Land): Season 2 returns with supermodel Kim Alexis as host and 10 new finalists – all over the age of 35 – competing to become the next great supermodel. In addition to a contract with Wilhelmina Models Inc., and a photo spread in SELF magazine, this season’s winner will also receive a check for $100,000.
◊“Total Drama Action” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new animated comedy series follows 14 contestants as they face thrilling challenges on an abandoned film studio backlot. It showcases all the elements of reality TV shows — romances and friendships, scheming and sabotage, death-defying stunts and stomach-curdling challenges  —  all within larger-than-life elimination competition.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12
◊“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 this episode directed by Emilio Estevez (“The Breakfast Club”).
◊“Samantha Who?” (8 p.m. on ABC): In an attempt to find new direction in her life, Samantha decides to go to Africa and volunteer to help those in need. Her friends and family are convinced that she’ll chicken out – which she does after discovering the countless vaccinations and obstacles that she would face to make the journey. Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) guest stars.
◊“Adam Ferrara: Funny as Hell” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central):Join comedian Adam Ferrara as he recalls his first night in jail and discusses the Italian-American medical term for a panic attack.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13
◊“20Q” (7 p.m. on GSN): Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) hosts this new game show based on the handheld game that utilizes artificial intelligence to systematically divine a player’s chosen word based upon a series of questions. Contestants must battle each other to guess a mystery word based on a series of clues that help them reveal the answer.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9):  This installment of the locally-produced program showcases rock climbing in Oklahoma City, a Tulsa culinary school for kids, Hinton’s Medicine Rock Ranch and Buffalo’s Selman Ranch.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): While Jack and David embark on a dangerous mission to Gath, King Silas acts quickly to prevent the outbreak of a deadly plague.
◊“The Money List” (8:30 p.m. on GSN): Fred Roggin (“GSN Live”) hosts this new fast-paced, high-suspense game of knowledge and teamwork. Players must quickly assess and trust their partners’ knowledge by predicting how many correct items they can come up with on a designated list.
◊“Pushing Daisies” (9 p.m. on ABC): In the series finale, the Darling Mermaid Darlings come out of retirement when one-half of the synchronized swimming duo The Aquadolls (Nora Dunn, “Three Moons Over Milford,” and Wendie Malick, “Jake in Progress”) meets with an unfortunate end that may have been murder-by-shark.
◊“Special Agent Oso” (5 a.m. on Disney): This four-hour marathon of the animated series for preschools will feature eight episodes, including the premiere of the new episode “The Living Flashlight / Sand Castle Royale” at 7 a.m.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for April 26-May 2, 2009

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 26:

SUNDAY, APRIL 26
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens a 1963 murder case of a nomadic pool hustler when the long-hidden murder weapon is found during the renovation of a pool hall where the victim played days before his death. Eion Bailey (“Band of Brothers”) guest stars.
◊“Daisy of Love” (8 p.m. on VH1): In this new series, Daisy De a Hoya, runner-up on “Rock of Love 2,” kicks off a quest for true love, She will have 20 men vying for her love and competing to win her heart.
◊“Guy’s Big Bite” (10 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 6 premiere, Guy Fieri fires up the oven for a special pizza night at home. He whips up a refreshing salad and shares recipes for two flavor-packed pizza pies.
◊“Journey to the End of the World” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Lester Holt (“Weekend Today”) narrates this special that documents the 2006 TARA Expedition that took a small band of scientists to the North Pole in dead of winter. Includes are CGI sequences depicting the world at the height of the last ice age 20,000 years ago when one-third of the planet was an ice ball.
◊“Last Cake Standing” (7 p.m. on Food Network): The final three competitors endure a 24-hour cake-making marathon.
Strategy, endurance and skills are tested and one talented cake artist is crowned the winner and gets $50,000.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Jeff Golblum joins the cast as Det. Zack Nichols. In his first case, he teams up with Det. Megan Wheeler (Julianne Nicholson) to investigate the stabbing of an artist in a neighborhood rife with ethnic tensions.
◊“Leader of the Pack” (7 p.m. on HGTV): This new series will follow the trials and tribulations of a family in search for the perfect pet. Eight canines are in the running, and through a series of challenges, the family must decide whether a dog stays or moves on to another loving home.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A back country ski trip at Mount Nemesis turns to tragedy when two skiers get caught in an avalanche in 2004. A rescue is performed by a helicopter crew flying in heavy snowfall and landing under circumstances so dangerous that it was uncertain if the helicopter could even lift off again. 
◊“Tuba U: Basso Profundo” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This special follows an unusual 22-piece musical ensemble into the recording studio, across the U.S. and onto the stage of Carnegie Hall.
◊“TV Land Awards ’09” (7 p.m. on TV Land): Neil Patrick Harris hosts the seventh annual event that celebrates the best and the brightest from television history. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”) will receive the Legacy of Laughter Award, while “Magnum P.I.” gets the Hero Award.

MONDAY, APRIL 27
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled ‘‘Trail of Tears” chronicles the 1838 forced march of thousands of Cherokee from their homes in the southeastern United States to eastern Oklahoma. More than 4,000 Indians died of disease and starvation along the way. Oklahoma born actor Wes Studi, a Cherokee, portrays Major Ridge.
◊“Animal Cops: Philadelphia” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special episode revisits a puppy mill that was raided in summer 2008. It follows the fate of the kennel owner and the dogs that were rescued.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m. on CBS): Leonard and Koothrappali take a heartbroken Wolowitz to Las Vegas, leaving Sheldon locked out of his apartment and forced to bunk with Penny. Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (“Prison Break”) guest stars.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 2 finale, Chuck must save his sister’s wdding and her life. Morgan Fairchild (“Falcon’s Crest”) and Bruce Boxleitner (“Babylon 5″) guest star.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a reality star is murdered, the CSIs delve into the scandalous, sexy world of a TV dating show. Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) and Kelly Overton (“The Ring Two”) guest star.
◊“For the Love of Ray J Reunion Show” (9 p.m. on VH1): Tune in to see the eliminated women give Ray J (and each other) a piece of their mind.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): Georgina (Michelle Trachtenberg, “17 Again”) returns to the Upper East Side after undergoing a major transformation.  Chuck and Nate find themselves at a major crossroads in their relationship as it pertains to their mutual interest in Blair.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): When Frannie challenges the sisterhood of ZBZ girls, Casey retaliates by challenging the IKI’s to a game of dodgeball. Andrew J. West (“Rockville, CA”) guest stars.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): As Volume 4: Fugitives comes to a close, the fight to stop Sylar has consequences that will change everything. Michael Dorn (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) guest stars.
◊“Nightly Business Report” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): The news program concludes its three-part series titled “Native American Entrepreneurs” with a profile of the Oklahoma City-based Bank2, which is owned by the Chickasaw Tribe. Bank2 is focusing on the lending needs of the nation’s American Indian population, as well as the housing shortage that exists on many reservations.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Nathan questions his dreams of playing in the NBA while Haley receives an unexpected offer from Nick Lachey (“Charmed”).
◊“Pros vs. Joes: All Stars” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): The roster of pros for Season 4 includes gridiron greats Tim Brown, Simeon Rice, Priest Holmes, Adam Jones, Steve McNair and Rich Gannon and hardwood heroes Alonzo Mourning, Robert Horry, Antoine Walker, Shawn Kemp, Eddie Jones and Ron Harper. 
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Chelsea sets Alan up on a blind date with her new friend, who happens to be former Charlie-stalking neighbor Rose (Melanie Lynskey, reprising her former role).
◊“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Beyonce Knowles (“Obsessed”) guest stars as the voice of Shine, the lead singer of the Wubb Girlz. The four music-filled “Wubb Girlz” episodes, airing today through Thursday, will feature a new original song composed and performed by Knowles titled “Sing a Song.”

TUESDAY, APRIL 28
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Jim convinces Andy to play snow football even though Andy’s girlfriend, Mandy, warns him against it. Now injured, Andy has to hide his injury from Mandy, so Jim stages a freak accident for Andy in his home. Garry Marshall (“Race to Witch Mountain”) guest stars as the doctor.
◊“Dallas DNA” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series chronicles a pioneering unit within the Dallas County District Attorney’s office where post-conviction DNA testing is being used to clear the innocent and confirm the guilty.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This year, hundreds of thousands of prisoners with serious mental illnesses will be released into communities across America. This new report tited “The Released” looks at what happens when to the mentally ill when they leave prison and why they return at such alarming rates.
◊“Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This new special documents the fates of losing race horses and the lifesaving rehabilitation they can share with prisoners on their way back to society.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): A young child goes missing and her young mother is the prime suspect. Hilary Duff (“A Cinderella Story”) and Gail O’Grady (“Living Out Loud”) guest star.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The body of a Marine leads Gibbs and McGee to the NCIS division in Los Angeles, where a murder investigation quickly climbs to a matter of national security in which the two offices must work together to resolve. Peter Cambor (“Notes From The Underbelly”), LL Cool J (Grammy winner) and Chris O’Donnell (“Grey’s Anatomy”) guest star.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a missing journalist who recently graduated from reporting celebrity gossip to writing hard-hitting exposés for an on-line magazine and question whether the subject of one of her stories is to blame for her disappearance. Nicholle Tom (“The Nanny”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lionel Barrymore was born on this day in 1878, and TCM celebrates by airing nine of his films, including 1933′s “One Man’s Journey” (6:30 a.m.) and 1944′s “Between Two Women” (4 p.m.).

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
◊“Better Off Ted” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, Veronica comes up with some novel ways for Veridian to boost employee morale when a survey reveals they’re miserable. But since the survey also showed that she’s too intimidating, she’s got to work on being more likable.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): When the team is sent a videotape from a serial killer detailing one of his crimes, they discover a hidden message asking them to help him stop his murderous ways. Alex O’Laughlin (“Moonlight”) guest stars.
◊“Cry For Help” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features first-person stories from adolescents who are confronting depression, anxiety and mental illness. It also explores treatments, mental health testing and community healing programs to give parents and educators a basis for recognizing the warning signs of teens in trouble.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The most exclusive jewelry auction of the year ends abruptly when an appraiser is killed during the event. The investigation takes an emotional turn when the CSIs must confront one of the greatest tragedies in human history — the Holocaust. Edward Asner (“Mary Tyler Moore”) guest stars.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): Join the TAPS team as they travel to they travel to Newark, NJ, to investigate the Essex County Sanitorium and Hospital. After a century of use, the facility was abandoned in the 1990’s, and many wonder if the spirits of forgotten patients still roam the labyrinth of underground tunnels connecting the buildings.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the show’s 100th episode, the time of reckoning has begun when Daniel Faraday comes clean regarding what he knows about the island.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (7 p.m. on CBS): After learning that his marriage is in trouble, Audrey agrees to allow their friend Steve stay with her and Jeff. However, she soon regrets her decision after discovering Steve enjoys giving “inappropriate” hugs. Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) guest stars as Steve, Audrey and Jeff’s friend who is going through a difficult divorce.
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): Series star Zach Braff (Dr. J.D. Dorian) directed this episode, in which J.D. considers taking a new job so he can live closer to his son and Kim (Elizabeth Banks, “W.”), Turk begins his new role as chief of surgery, and Ted and Gooch take their relationship to the next level.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State in college softball action airing live at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30
◊“Ask a Lawyer” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In conjunction with the national celebration of Law Day, Oklahoma lawyers will take calls from viewers and offer free legal advice. The number to call during the show is 1-800-456-8525.
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Tracy and Liz stop receiving preferential treatment and experience the reality of what it means to be each other’s equal. Elaine Stritch (“One Life to Live”) and Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) guest star.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a human body is found inside the strung up Otter mascot uniform of a rival school, Brennan and Booth investigate whether the body inside the costume was dead beforehand, or killed during a Middlesex University bonfire event. Meanwhile, Booth offers to help his brother Jared (Brendan Fehr, “Roswell”) find a new job after being dishonorably discharged from the Navy.
◊“Forbes 15 Hot Hollywood Moms” (9 p.m. on E!): From Oscar-winners to television tycoons to music moguls and models, these successful women are anything but matronly.  With commentary from the folks at Forbes, plus interviews with the professionals who are hired by the stars, the special explores how much these moms are making, how they made it big and how they are spending those hard-earned dollars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As preparations continue for Meredith and Derek’s wedding, Izzie receives a surprise hospital visit from her handful-of-a-mother, Robbie (Sharon Lawrence, “NYPD Blue”).
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): A news show, “Inside Probe,” comes to Camden to investigate a missing person’s case in which Earl and Randy are the prime suspects. Geraldo Rivera (“Geraldo at Large”) and Michael Waltrip (NASCAR driver) guest star.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): As Violet chooses between Pete and Sheldon, a grief-stricken patient poses a danger to her in the Season 2 finale. Josh Hopkins (“Swingtown”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest star.
◊“Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby and the Business of Horse Racing” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new special examines the history, the champion horses, the owners, trainers and jockeys who have been a part of and turned Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby into American Icons.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Eve Arden was born on this day in 1908, and TCM celebrates by airing eight of her films, including 1941′s “Whistling in the Dark” (8:15 a.m.) and 1946′s “My Reputation” (3 p.m.).

FRIDAY, MAY 1
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Ballard’s investigation leads him to the agoraphobic designer of the Dollhouse (Alan Tudyk, “Firefly”), and the story of “Sleeping Beauty” foreshadows Echo’s future, while allowing her to help a young girl deal with her traumatic past.
◊“The Fairly OddParents: Wishology” (7 p.m. on Nickelodon): This new three-part movie, airing over the next three Fridays, pays homage to blockbuster Hollywood films by parodying classic such as “The Matrix,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Wars.” Brendan Fraser (“The Mummy”) provides the voice of Turbo Thunder, a trained warrior.
◊“Ladette to Lady” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Season 3 welcomes eight new ladettes — hard-partying, hedonistic and often ill-behaved young women to Eggleston Hall, a former 1950’s finishing school. After five intensive weeks of gourmet cooking, grooming, elocution, flower arranging and side-saddle horse riding, one ladette will be deemed as “lady” in a graduation ceremony with some of Britain’s aristocrats present.
◊“Ladies First: Bravo at the Kentucky Derby” (4 p.m. on Bravo): This special will feature the food, fashion and celebrity experience associated with Kentucky Oaks 135, as well as live coverage of the Derby’s sister race, the Kentucky Oaks.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Still feeling responsible for Don’s near-fatal stabbing, Charlie puts his focus into tracking down an unnoticed serial killer in the show’s 100th episode. John Rubinstein (“Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as Gene Evans, an amateur sleuth who helps Charlie’s investigation.
◊“Paul Rodriguez & Friends: Comedy Rehab” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Join Latino comedian Paul Rodriguez and his comedy cronies Shayla Rivera, Gene Pompa and Manny Maldonado for a night of muy caliente stand-up.
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Decoded” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): All 22 episodes from Season 1 of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” have been enhanced with text boxes and other content from Lucasfilm Animation for a second run of the series. It will occupy this time period until Season 2 of the show begins in fall.
◊“Supernanny” (8 p.m. on ABC): The Season 4 finale features the Krolikowski family. Shannon and John both have high profile jobs at a large church, but their home is a far cry from a peaceful sanctuary with all four of their children fighting with each other frequently.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): The show kicks off its 2009 Toyota Concert Series with a comeback performance by No Doubt. It will be the Grammy Award-winning rock band’s first concert together in five years.
◊“Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the Season 5 finale, young parents who celebrate Halloween year-round swap lives with older parents who believe in strict, traditional values.

SATURDAY, MAY 2
◊“Jonas” (7 p.m. on Disney): This new series starring brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas (“Camp Rock”) follows the fictional Lucas Brothers through unexpected and unpredictable situations that confront these superstars as they try to live ordinary lives. The series features original Jonas Brothers songs created especially for the show.
◊“Living Out Loud” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Gail O’Grady (“American Dreams”) stars as a high school chorus teacher who is all about helping others achieve their goals. But a visit to the doctor throws her for a loop when she is diagnosed with breast cancer.

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres and Finales
airing April 12-18

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 April 12.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
BEGINNINGS
••“National Heads-Up Poker Championship,” 11 a.m. Sunday on NBC (fifth-season premiere).
••“Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime (second-season premiere).
••“Closet Cases,” 9 p.m. Monday on Fine Living Network (series premiere).
••“Doing daVinci,” 9 p.m. Monday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Escaped,” 9 p.m. Monday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“College Life,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Travel Channel (third-season premiere).
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (fifth-season premiere).
••“Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Cougar,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TV Land (series premiere).
••“10 Grand in Your Hand,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on DIY Network (series premiere).
••“Pitchmen,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Around the World for Free,” 8 p.m. Thursday on WGN (series premiere).
••“Stranger Among Bears,” 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Cultivating Life With Sean Conway,” 11:30 a.m. Saturday on WGN (fourth-season premiere).
••“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” 9:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (second-season premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Rock of Love Bus With Bret Michaels,” 8 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (third-season finale).
••“Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (second-season finale).
••“The Beast,” 9 p.m. Thursday on A&E (first-season finale).

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Top 55 TV Programs for
April 12-18, 2009

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 12:

SUNDAY, APRIL 12
◊The 17th Annual Trumpet Awards (7 p.m. on TV One): Anthony Anderson (“Law & Order”) and Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) co-host the event honoring black achievement in fields such as law, religion, politics, public service, sports and entertainment. This year’s honorees include Raven-Symonè (“That’s So Raven”), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (former NBA player) and Pastor Paula White.
◊“Bear Attack!” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In a six-week time period, three people were mauled by a bear near Anchorage, and many more Alaskans have had dangerously close bear encounters. Using forensics, technology, and even DNA analysis, researchers launch an investigation into these incidents.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): Series star Danny Pino (Scotty Valens) co-wrote this episode in which the team investigates the murder of a former Cuban baseball star who escaped to the U.S. to provide for his family after the Cuban government fired him for talking to a U.S. sports agent.
◊“Dirty Jobs” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Mike Rowe travels to Big Lake, Alaska, and pays a visit to Happy Trails Kennels to discover what it takes to breed and train Alaskan Huskies for sled dog work.  He takes on the daily task of cleaning the dogs’ living area and feeding them with a special blend of ground meat and hot water.  He then hits the trail to learn the art of sled dog mushing.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The team fulfills the dying wish of a father who wanted to provide a safe home for his wife and their special-needs children adopted from China. Gammy-winning singer Stevie Wonder performs a private concert for the family at their new home.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): Judgment Day arrives and David fights to get his brother’s case heard before King Silas. Macaulay Culkin (“Party Monster”) guest stars as the king and queen’s nephew, who returns to the kingdom after years in exile.
◊“National Heads-Up Poker Championship” (11 a.m. on NBC): The fifth annual event, which was taped at the Caesars Palace Poker Room March-6-8, features 64 top poker players competing in a series of heads-up (one-on-one games of No Limit Texas Hold’em) matches to determine the best heads-up poker player in the world. Annie Duke (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) and Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) are paired off in the tournament’s first round.
◊“Rock of Love Bus With Bret Michaels” (8 p.m. on VH1): It’s down to the final two women on the season finale. Each will let their guard down and open their hearts to Bret during some romantic time in the Dominican Republic.
◊“Sonny With Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney): Sonny is asked on a date by suave “MacKenzie Falls” guest star James Conroy (Kelly Blatz, “Aaron Stone”), who also happens to be Tawni’s ex-boyfriend.  Once James reveals his true colors, Sonny and Tawni enlist Chad to help turn the tables on James.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): An unrelenting spate of thunderstorms blankets the majestic Havasupai region of the Grand Canyon for three days last August. As Brian Codde and eight of his friends sleep at their campsite, waters rise from a flooded dam. They are at grave risk of being swept over the nearby 200 ft waterfall, or being trapped in a deep canyon with no way out.
◊“Witch Hunt” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Sean Penn (“Milk”) narrates this documentary film that tells the story of dozens of parents in Bakersfield, Calif., who were falsely accused and convicted of child molestation in 1984. Almost all of the children now say they were coerced to lie about their parents. Subsequently, their parents served anywhere from six to twenty years in prison, with the last person acquitted in 2004.
◊“World’s Funniest Office Commercials” (7 p.m. on TBS): Mike O’Malley (“Yes, Dear”) hosts this new special that highlights the best workplace ads. Among the office mayhem featured are Bud Light’s “Swear Jar” (United States), Cadbury’s “Reply All” (Canada) and Mikado’s “Copier” (France).

MONDAY, APRIL 13
◊“24″ (8 p.m. on Fox): Jack Bauer endures the elements and fights on to prevent an attack that could change the country forever. Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert, (“Are You Afraid of the Dark?”), who was last seen in Season 5, returns.
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Benjamin Bratt (“The Cleaner”) narrates the five-part installment “We Shall Remain” that spans some 300 years to chronicle key moments in American history from an American Indian perspective. A companion OETA documentary focusing on Oklahoma’s native history is scheduled to premiere in May.
◊“Artic Roughnecks” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special focuses on Alaska’s all-terrain vehicle, the CATCO, and the hardworking crew as they brave blizzards, white-out conditions and extreme temperatures to deliver fuel, freight and equipment in the farthest reaches of the Alaskan North.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): After Chuck’s father (Scott Bakula, “Quantum Leap”) is kidnapped by Fulcrum, Chuck learns the only chance he has to find him is by putting his trust into the hands of his ex-girlfriend (Jordana Brewster, “The Fast and the Furious”).
◊“Closet Cases” (9 p.m. on Fine Living Network): In this new series, “Style Guy” spokesperson Lloyd Boston will lend practical fashion advice to the wardrobe challenged, helping both men and women revitalize their closets to help them rediscover their most stylish selves. He will explain how to shop smart, combine outfits and do more with less.
◊“College Life” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This new series follows students as a Big Ten University in Madison, Wisc., as they embark on their freshman year of school and document their stories with a video camera in hand.
◊“Confessions of a Superhero” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This new documentary chronicles the lives of three mortal men and one woman who make their living working as superhero characters on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard.
◊“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”).
◊“Doing daVinci” (9 p.m. on Discovery): This new series puts a modern twist on the classics, taking viewers through the build process to determine whether Leonardo daVinci’s designs can be constructed to function as he had envisioned. Using materials only available in daVinci’s time, the team works each week to construct his inventions — from a futuristic armored tank to a towering three-story siege ladder to a scythe chariot -– to determine how realistic each design really is.
◊“Escaped” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series tells the stories of ordinary people who have escaped from extraordinary circumstances. The series premiere focuses on a woman held captive in a killer’s cellar for months.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): When Casey discovers that Cappie is taking the same women’s studies class — taught by Professor Freeman (Janeane Garofalo, “24″) — she knows that it will complicate her relationship with Max. So she enlists the help of her new professor to help Max and Cappie get along.
◊“Nightly Business Report” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): The news program kicks off a three-part series titled “Native American Entrepreneurs” that explores the growing role American Indians are playing in the country’s commerce. Today’s installment focuses on Dave Anderson, the founder of Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurants and the Rainforest Cafe restaurant chains. The final installment on April 20 profiles the Oklahoma City-based Bank2, which is owned by the Chickasaw Tribe.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): When Timmy (Adhir Kalayan, “Aliens in America”) grows tired of dealing with Russell’s demeaning demands and Audrey has had it with her terrible assistant, the two find a possible solution in working together.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 finale, Leon Cooley’s execution date arrives. Grace, who has discovered that Leon once helped her sister and was invited to a family birthday party, struggles with whether or not to lend a hand towards stopping the execution.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14
◊“400 Years of the Telescope” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new special takes viewers on a journey from 1609, when Galileo revealed mankind’s place in the galaxy, to today’s quests to discover new worlds in the infinite universe.
◊“90210″ (8 p.m. on CW): On March 14, the “90210″ cast helped Habitat for Humanity raise the walls of its 100th house in Pacoima, CA.  In today’s episode, the students of West Beverly use their spring break vacation as an opportunity to build a home with Habitat for Humanity. Tori Spelling (“Beverly Hills, 90210″) returns as Donna Martin.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Fashion guru Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) helps the final seven contestants look their best after everyone gets salon makeovers from guest hair stylist Tabatha Coffey (“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover”).
◊“Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Season 3 presents renowned chef and food writer Andrew Zimmern with some of the most bizarre cuisine he has yet to come across, including squirrel brain, iguana eggs, shark head, boa constrictor, turtle intestines, blood soup, juicy cheese worms and garlic ice cream.
◊“Cupid” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): A bullied teenager wants Trevor’s help in matchmaking his mom with his boxing instructor (Lee Tergesen, “Life on Mars”), who also happens to be the boy’s sperm donor father. Julie Hagerty (“Airplane”) guest stars.
◊“Deadliest Catch” (8 p.m. on Discovery): The seas are rougher, the stakes are higher and the intensity has never been stronger when the 2008 King crab season opens. Captains Sig Hansen (Northwestern), Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand (Time Bandit), Phil Harris (Cornelia Marie) and Keith Colburn (Wizard) are all back for another season of crab fishing.
◊“Live With Regis and Kelly” (9 a.m. on KWTV-9): Former “Live With Regis and Kathie Lee” host Kathie Lee Gifford returns to the show to talk about her new memoir, “Just When I Thought I’d Dropped My Last Egg: Life and Other Calamities.”
◊“Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In September 2008, nine amateur hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts put their lives on hold to tackle the challenge of a lifetime.  After a three-day crash course in basic survival skills, they were flown to Ttsusena Lake in the rugged Alaskan interior and given the first piece of a rudimentary map, a compass and a few basic tools and told to hike to civilization.
◊“WCG Ultimate Gamer” (9 p.m. on SCI FI): In addition to controlling players in the video game “NBA Live 09,” the remaining contestants take part in a slam-dunk competition being judged by Spud Webb (former NBA player) and Lisa Leslie (WNBA player).
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team tries to locate the son of a billionaire who disappears after piloting a small plane that crashes in the woods. Vanessa Marcil (“Vegas”) returns as Kim Marcus.
 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
◊“10 Grand in Your Hand” (8:30 p.m. on DIY Network): In this new series, licensed contractor and host John DeSilvia helps budget-conscious homeowners make their renovation dreams a reality and save up to $10,000 per project. With a wealth of expert advice and cost-cutting tips, he takes the fear out of home improvement, giving homeowners the confidence to forego hired help and pick up the hammer and nail.
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The remaining girls freak when Grammy Award-winning recording artist Ciara shows up at their apartment to offer some words of advice. The girls then join Ciara on the musical stage for a photo shoot.
◊“The Cougar” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Vivica A. Fox (“Missing”) hosts this new series that follows Stacey Anderson, 40, as she searches for love among a pool of 20 eligible twenty-something men.
◊“Great Performances at the Met” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Russian superstar soprano Anna Netrebko headlines a production of ‘‘Lucia di Lammermoor,” Donizetti’s 1834 opera about an ill-fated Scottish lass who is forced into an arranged marriage, then kills her bridegroom and goes gloriously bananas in one of the most famous mad scenes in all of opera.
The Second Annual A-List Awards (9 p.m. on Bravo): Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) hosts the event celebrating the best in food, fashion, beauty, design and pop culture. Scheduled to appear are Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”), Emily Procter (“CSI: Miami”), Laurel Holloman (“The L Word”), Niecy Nash (“Reno 911!”) and Cat Cora (“Iron Chef America”).
◊“Pitchmen” (9 p.m. on Discovery): This new series introduces viewers to the dreamers, tinkerers and inventors who believe they have created the next must-have product.  If these everyday geniuses can enlist the help of pitchmen Anthony “Sully” Sullivan and Billy Mays to sell their goods, they may stand a chance of turning their products into household names.
◊“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): The MythBusters team heads north to test some Alaskan myths, including whether it can get so cold that your urine freezes before it hits the ground and whether a golf ball will go further if you tee-off on a frozen lake.
◊“True Hollywood Story: LL Cool J” (9 p.m. on E!): Offered a recording contract while still in high school, LL quickly shot to the top of the rap game. This installment tells the story of the hip hop artist through new interviews and never-before-seen footage.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16
◊“Alaska: Most Extreme” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Everything is extreme in Alaska: the weather and climate that make each day a new and often menacing adventure; the ways in which many Alaskans earn a living; and the basic skills that everyone must learn and know simply to survive in this harsh environment.
◊“Around the World for Free” (8 p.m. on WGN): Alex Boylan, winner of “The Amazing Race 2,” attempts to circumnavigate the globe without a penny in his pocket and with only a backpack and the help of the online community. The series was filmed in 16 countries over 159 days.
◊“The Beast” (9 p.m. on A&E): The case that haunted Barker for his entire career resurfaces and all the pieces finally come together in the Season 1 finale.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): When Sweets asks Dr. Gordon Wyatt (Stephen Fry, “Kingdom”) for input on the book he’s writing about Booth and Brennan, Dr. Wyatt lends Sweets an interesting perspective on the pair’s unique relationship.
◊“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.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): The admission of a death row inmate to Seattle Grace divides Derek, Meredith and Cristina. Jessica Capshaw (“The Practice”) and Eric Stoltz (“Mask”) guest star.
◊“The Price is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Former host Bob Barker returns to the game show that made him famous to promote his new autobiography, “Priceless Memories.” Barker will participate in the Showcase Showdowns and will give the book away to everyone in the audience.
◊“Samantha Who?” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): While with her parents in Vegas attending a real estate seminar, Samantha loses a huge sum of money at the craps table and finds herself in debt to the casino. But a chance meeting with her ex-boss, billionaire Winston Funk (Billy Zane, “Titanic”), could be the answer to her financial trouble.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Charlie Chaplin was born on this day in 1889, and TCM celebrates the occasion by airing 11 of his films, including 1923′s “A Woman of Paris” (9 a.m.), 1940′s “The Great Dictator” (1:15 p.m.) and 1959′s “The Chaplin Revue” (5 p.m.).

FRIDAY, APRIL 17
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): When Miley returns home after finishing work on her new movie, she discovers that Lilly and Oliver are dating, and soon they put her in the middle of an argument and ask her to choose sides. Meanwhile, Jackson pretends to be a philanthropist to impress a college recruiter (Cheryl Hines, “In the Motherhood”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and his team are called in to help a veteran FBI agent track down a con man who has eluded him for years. Henry Winkler (“Happy Days”) and Nora Dunn (“Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“Prison Break” (8 p.m. on Fox): Michael and Sarah learn the dangers of hitchhiking as they make their way to Miami, and Lincoln meets with Christina who informs him of her plans to take over the Company.
◊“Untamed Alaska” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Predators such as the grizzly bear and gray wolf roam over 50 million acres of Alaskan wilderness. Temperatures drop to 100 degrees below and the coastline is battered by freezing storms and giant waves. “Caught-on-tape” footage and interviews with eye witnesses showcase this perilous world.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): SpongeBob and his friends search for Jack Kahuna Laguna (voiced by Johnny Depp, “Pirates of the Caribbean”) to teach them the gnarly surf moves to hit the elusive wave.
◊“Stranger Among Bears” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): For more than 20 years, Charlie Vandergaw has been living with wild bears in the Alaskan wilderness. For the first time, Charlie has allowed cameras to capture an entire season at “Bear Haven.”
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: William Holden was born on this day in 1918, and TCM celebrates the occasion by airing seven of his films, including 1950′s “Sunset Boulevard” (7 a.m.), 1955′s “Picnic” (12:45 p.m.) and 1968′s “The Devil’s Brigade” (4:45 p.m.).

SATURDAY, APRIL 18
◊“Cultivating Life With Sean Conway” (11:30 a.m. on WGN): Demonstrating easy-to-do projects and inspiring ideas, host Sean Conway explores trends and provides simple solutions and timely ideas for outdoor living, cooking, gardening, and entertaining.
◊“Flying By” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): A real estate developer (Billy Ray Cyrus, “Doc”) goes to his 25th high school reunion and finds his old teenage band playing. They get him on stage for a couple of songs and convince him to come to rehearsal.
◊“Grey Gardens” (7 p.m. on HBO): Inspired by a 1975 documentary, this TV movie spans 40 years as it chronicles the relationship between ‘‘Big Edie” and ‘‘Little Edie” Bouvier Beale (Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore), who were related to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Tulsa-born actress Jeanne Tripplehorn) yet spiraled from high society to living in squalor in a decaying Hamptons mansion.
◊“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” (9:30 a.m. on Food Network): Anne Burrell prepares some of her favorite dishes, transforming basic ingredients into restaurant-worthy stars. In the season premiere, she shares her techniques for a rich and silky spaghetti carbonara.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Baylor in college softball action airing live at 1 p.m. on FSOK.

–Penny TV

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TV Talk: Top 10 Shows for Feb. 15-21

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. 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 Feb. 15:

P: Hi, I’m Penny Soldan, this is Heather Warlick and this is TV Talk, The Oklahoman’s final Top 10 countdown of programs worth watching. And these are our picks for the week of Feb. 15.
H: Since this is our last TV Talk video, and we’ll talk more about that later, let’s start it off with a reunion. Or rather “High School Reunion,” our No. 10 pick. The TV Land reality show premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday and follows 19 classmates from the 1988 graduating class of Arizona’s Chandler High School at a special reunion in Hawaii.
P: Chad Ramirez, who is the head rodeo coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, is among the “High School Reunion” classmates. But he considers Oklahoma home now.
H: No. 9 is “Spectacular!”, a new Nickelodeon movie premiering at 7 p.m. Monday. This new TV movie for tweens focuses on a talented teen rebel who is on an unpredictable road to rock stardom. Penny tells me that the soundtrack, which features 10 original songs, is in itself spectacular.
P: If you’re like Heather and love awards shows, be sure and catch our No. 8 pick. It’s the 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards airing uncut, uncensored and commercial free at 4 p.m. Saturday on IFC. Steve Coogan from “Tropic Thunder” hosts this year’s ceremony which will be edited and rebroadcast at 9 p.m. Saturday on AMC.
H: No. 7 is “Mistresses,” a new British series airing at 7 p.m. Friday on BBC America. It chronicles the adventures of four 30-something friends with one thing in common — infidelity. And it stars four of Britain’s leading actresses  —  Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Orla Brady and Shelley Conn.
P: OK, maybe Heather doesn’t like awards shows as much as me. But No. 6 is a topic I know interests her. It is “Stealing Lincoln’s Body” premering at 8 p.m. Monday on History. This new special explores the final chapter of the 16th president, who was assassinated in 1865 but did not come to rest in his hometown of Springfield, Ill., until 1901.
H: No. 5 are five guest stars making appearance on five primetime shows. Monday morning, it’s Marcia Wallace from “The Bob Newhart Show” on “The Young and the Restless” at 11 a.m. on CBS. And Monday evening, its Rob Reiner from “All in the Family” on “Hannah Montana” at 6:30 p.m. on Disney.
P: Then on Wednesday, see chef Emeril Lagasse on “Top Chef” at 9 p.m. on Bravo. And Thursday, look for Danny Glover from “Lethal Weapon” on NBC’s “My Name Is Earl” at 7 p.m. and Faye Dunaway from “Network” on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” at 8 p.m.
H: No. 4 is “American Idol” which airs at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday on Fox. For the next three Tuesdays, 12 different semifinalists will perform. And be sure and watch for Matt Breitzke from Bixby who is among the Top 32 semifinalists.
P: And vote for Matt if you enjoy his singing. Because during Wedneday’s live results shows, the three contestants with the highest number of votes — one male, one female and the next top vote-getter, will secure spots in the Top 12.
H: No. 3 is Conan O’Brien’s final show as host of NBC’s “Late Night.” He signs off after Friday’s telecast, but he will take over “The Tonight Show” hosting duties on June 1. And Jimmy Fallon will take over the reins as “Late Night” host on March 2.
P: And taking over the No. 2 spot on our list is “Taking Chance.” It is a very touching fact-based drama starring Kevin Bacon as a volunteer military escort who accompanies the body of Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old lance corporal killed in Iraq, home to Wyoming. Be sure and watch it with a box of tissue at 7 p.m. Saturday on HBO.
H: And No. 1, if you don’t count the OU men’s basketball game against Texas at 8 p.m. Saturday on ESPN, is “The Amazing Race.” And Christie Volkmer from Choctaw is Oklahoma’s first contender for the six-time Emmy Award-winning reality-competition program that begins Season 14 at 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
P: Christie and teammate Jodi Wincheski from Houston make up one of 11 teams that will travel one of the most grueling courses ever assembled on the race – spanning 40,000 miles and nine countries in just 22 days.
H: And that’s a wrap for TV Talk. The Oklahoman will debut a new TV video next week in which Penny will narrow the must-see programs from 10 to three. But as always, readers can consult TV Week in Sunday’s Oklahoman or go online to newsok.com/tv for even more TV choices.
P: Thanks, Heather, for your help in making a year’s worth of TV Talk videos that are still entertaining to watch. And to everyone out there watching, thanks for your time.

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Top 60 TV Programs for Feb. 15-21

     

   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. 15:

SUNDAY, FEB. 15
◊The 51st annual Daytona 500 (1 p.m. on Fox): NASCAR opens the 2009 season with the top-rated event in American motorsports. Country music artist Keith Urban will headline the 2009 Daytona prerace show live at noon, performing three of his No. 1 songs prior to the drop of the green flag.
◊“The Amazing Race 14” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christie Volkmer from Choctaw is Oklahoma’s first contender for the six-time Emmy Award-winning reality-competition program that hits the road for Season 14. She and teammate Jodi Wincheski from Houston make up one of 11 teams that will travel one of the most grueling courses ever assembled on the race – spanning 40,000 miles and nine countries in just 22 days.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express”) stars in this new six-part comedy series. He plays Kenny Powers, a former pro baseball pitcher whose self-destructive behavior ruined his career. Now he’s back in his North Carolina hometown teaching physical education at his old middle school.
◊“Food Nework Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Four pastry chefs design a cake for Miley Cyrus’ Sweet 16 birthday. Miley’s grandmother is among the panel of judges who will decide with chef wins $10,000 and the chance to serve their cake to the teen star.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Timothy Spall (“Harry Potter” movies) stars as Fagin, leader of a gang of boy thieves, in this new two-part adaptation of the Dickens classic “Oliver Twist.” Newcomer William Miller stars as Oliver.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Art Dept. and include 1958’s ”The Horse’s Mouth” (10 a.m.), 1956’s “Lust for Life” (2:15 p.m.) and 1943’s “No Time for Love” (7 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Harper is helping Mr. Frenchy, a famous fashion designer, during Fashion Week, and enlists Alex’s help to care for a one-of-a-kind dress. When Alex ruins it, she decides to host the designer’s show at the Waverly Sub Station in an attempt to fix things. Cindy Crawford (“Fashion Flashback”) and Willie Garson (“Sex and the City”) guest star.
◊“World’s Heavist Man Gets Married!” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special profiles the wedding of Manuel Uribe to his longtime girlfriend, Claudia Solis.  In 2006, Uribe tipped the scales at 1,232 lbs., but now he is 400 lbs. lighter and seizing his second chance at life and love.

MONDAY, FEB. 16
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The first hour from Wichita, Kan., features a 1949 payroll check made out to professional baseball rookie Mickey Mantle. It is valued between $30,000 and $50,000.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck and Sarah’s latest assignment forces them to pose as a happily married couple living in the suburbs. They meet some interesting characters including Brad (Andy Richter, “Andy Barker, P.I.”), a cheerful next-door neighbor in the stationary business, and Sylvia (Jenny McCarthy, “John Tucker Must Die”), a seductive and attractive woman who lives across the street and has her eye on Chuck.
◊“Dadnapped” (7 p.m. on Disney): Emily Osment (“Hannah Montana”) and George Newborn (“Father of the Bride”) star in this new daughter-father action comedy set in and around the fictional Western town of Mercury. Melissa and her father, Neil, the author of a popular action hero book series, attend a conference and become part of a prank dad-napping.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Sylar and Luke embark on a road trip to find Sylar’s father, but are secretly being hunted by Nathan’s agents. Moira Kelly (“The West Wing” ) guest stars.
◊“ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): U.S. skaters Johnny Wier and Evan Lysacek were among the competitors at this competition held Dec. 10-14 in South Korea.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Series star Patricia Arquette (Allison) makes her directorial debut in this episode, in which Allison’s strange behavior leads to an explosive discovery that may change the future of Joe’s business.
◊“Right America: Feeling Wronged” (7 p.m. on HBO): In this new documentary, filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi (daughter of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives). hits the road to ask conservative Americans to share their thoughts on the way the country is changing.
◊“Sex … With Mom and Dad” (3 p.m. on MTV): Dr. Drew Pinsky returns for Season 2, which will incorporate vintage sex education footage into the show that features therapy sessions and homework assignments for famlies in crisis.
◊“Simon Schama’s Rough Crossings” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Writer-narrator Simon Schama reconstructs the journey of black slaves who were offered their freedom if they fought for Britain during the American Revolution. They were resettled in Nova Scotia, which proved a poor fit for those from the Deep South. So arrangements were made to transport them to Sierra Leone, where worse conditions awaited.
◊“Spectacular!” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon)(Nickelodeon Photo of “Spectacular!” cast above): Taking center stage in this new TV movie for tweens is a talented teen rebel (Nolan Gerard Funk, “Smallville”) who is on an unpredictable road to rock stardom. Tammin Sursok (“The Young and the Restless”) also stars in the film, which features 10 original songs.
◊“Stealing Lincoln’s Body” (8 p.m. on History): This new special explores the final chapter of the 16th president, who was assassinated in 1865 but did not come to reat in his hometown of Springfield, Ill., until 1901. For the first time, Lincoln walks and moves according to the historical record, thanks to new digital visualizations.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Criminology Dept. and include 1938’s ”Boys’ Town” (7 a.m.), 1944’s “Double Indemnity” (2:30 p.m.) and 1991’s “Bugsy” (11:15 p.m.).
◊“True Beauty” (9 p.m. on ABC): In week seven, contestants attend a red carpet party where they will be the guests of honor and be judged on their poise and presentation as they walk the red carpet and work the crowd. But there’s a twist: The contestants will each have a date, and their dates are their parents.
◊“The Young and the Restless” (11 a.m. on CBS): Marcia Wallace (“The Bob Newhart Show”) guest stars as Ammie Wilkes, a woman who poses possible danger to Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper).

TUESDAY, FEB. 17
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): For the next three Tuesdays, 12 different semifinalists will perform. During Wedneday’s live results shows, the three contestants with the highest number of votes — one male, one female and the next top vote-getter, will secure spots in the Top 12.
◊“Dogg After Dark” (8 p.m. on MTV): Rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and actor Snoop Dogg will host this new weekly variety talk show from Los Angeles hotspot Kress on Hollywood Boulevard. The show will feature interviews with A-list celebrities and musicians, sketch-comedy segments and musical performances.
◊“Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): “Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life” revisits the life of composer and pianist, who was Duke Ellington’s right-hand man and wrote some if his best-known songs. Dule Hill (“Psych”) plays Strayhorn in re-enactments.
◊“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Dr, Melinda Warner’s expertiese comes into play when a homeopathic doctor (Martin Mull, “The Ellen Show”) goes on trial for the death of a girl with AIDS.
◊“The Real Housewives Of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): The series franchise returns to the New York social scene for a second season. Alex, Bethenny, Jill, Luann and Ramona, along with new cast member Kelly Killoren Bensimon, continue to juggle their careers and home lives with busy calendars.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Dance Dept. and include 1937’s ”Shall We Dance” (9:30 a.m.), 1951’s “Royal Wedding” (2:30 p.m.) and 1952’s “Million Dollar Mermaid” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Cox.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
◊“Against the Elements” (9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 284 on DirecTV): This new series explores the science behind the most heart-stopping natural disasters ever captured on camera. Forensic investigations reveal what caused these catastophes and shows what scientists have learned from the past that will protect us in the future.
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About” profiles one of Broadway’s best directors and choreographers. It includes never-before-scene rehearsal footage and interviews with many of his colleagues, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Chita Rivera and Stephen Sondheim.
◊“High School Reunion” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Nineteen classmates from the 1988 graduating class of Arizona’s Chandler High School come together for a special reunion in Hawaii. Chad Ramirez, head rodeo coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, is among them.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): After New York City Councilman Bobby Prince is caught with a hooker during a police raid on a motel, he shares a secret with Det. Sam Tyler.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): The way back to the island is revealed to members of the Oceanic 6, but there’s trouble ahead when not all of them wish to return.
◊“Rick Steves’ Iran” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): World traveler Rick Steves journeys to Iran in hopes of getting to know this ancient country and to better understand the 70 million people living there.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes his wife, jazz artist Diana Krall. She is interviewed by the program’s executive producer, Elton John.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Law Dept. and include 1942’s ”The Talk of the Town” (8:15 a.m.), 1929’s “Madame X” (noon) and 1954’s “The Caine Mutiny” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef” (9 p.m. on Bravo):  The final chef’testants will need to “kick it up a notch” to impress guest judge and famed chef Emeril Lagasse. This supersized episode also features a twist that changes the face of game as the field is narrowed from four to three.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19
◊“Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet, channel 170 on Cox Digital Cable, 188 on Dish Network, 262 on DirecTV): This new series follows the life of Erica Strange, 32, who is given chances to revisit various events from her past that caused regret and attempts to fix them. Newcomer Erin Karpluk plays Erica.
◊“Biography: Mötley Crüe” (9 p.m. on BIO, channel 119 on Dish Network, 164 on Cox Digital Cable, 266 on DirecTV): This new installment takes viewers through the nearly 30 years career span of one of the most infamous rock bands that sold more than 45 million records worldwide. The LA quartet – made up of lead singer Vince Neil, drummer Tommy Lee, bass player Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars – parlayed whiplash hard-rock songs, melodic power ballads and a hedonistic image into superstardom and lived the rock & roll lifestyle to its fullest.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): It’s Valentine’s Day in the ER and Neela seems to be under the spell of Dr. Brenner. Meanwhile, Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) makes a surprise return to the ER.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): One segment in this locally-produced show focuses on Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee, the only university in the country that offers courses in boot and saddle making.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Cristina calls the abilities of a renown surgeon into question after she botches a standard procedure. Faye Dunaway (“Network”) guest stars as Dr. Campbell.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath discovers that she is still married to her ex Rusty (guest star Ron White) and must find him in order to finalize their divorce. Busy Philipps (“Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Darnell’s absentee father (Danny Glover, “Lethal Weapon”) arrives in Camden claiming he needs to make amends with his son. Earl and Randy smell trouble and go to warn Joy and Darnell.
◊“Sin City Law” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This new two-part documentary, which concludes Feb. 26, chronicles Las Vegas criminal cases.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Dept. of Education and include 1955’s ”Blackboard Jungle” (7 a.m.), 1939’s “Goodbye Mr. Chips” (5 p.m.) and 1938’s “Pygmalion” (7 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Wilhelmina fears she’s lost her edge in the fashion world because she’s been spending too much time with Conner. Bernadette Peters (“Living Proof”) guest stars.

FRIDAY, FEB. 20
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): New quarterback J.D. McCoy (Jeremy Sumpter, “Clubhouse”) becomes a victim of freshman hazing but begins to win the respect of the town and his team after he wins his first game.
◊“Late Night With Conan O’Brien” (11:37 p.m. on NBC): Talk show host Conan O’Brien signs off as host of “Late Night.” He will take over “The Tonight Show” hosting duties on June 1. Jimmy Fallon will take over the reins as “Late Night” host on March 2.
◊“Mistresses” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new series chronicles the adventures of four 30-something friends with one thing in common — infidelity. Starring are four of Britain’s leading actresses, Sarah Parish (“Viva Blackpool”), Sharon Small (“About a Boy”), Orla Brady (“Shark”) and Shelley Conn (“Innocence”).
◊“Real Time With Bill Maher” (9 p.m. on HBO): The comedian and commentator returns for a seventh season of
roundtable discussions with panelists  and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.
◊“Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special examines the turmoil that surrounded the 1960s variety show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” including the events that led to its cancellation.
◊“The Soup Awards” (9:30 p.m. on E!): Host Joel McHale presents spray-painted-gold soup cans to celebrities and reality TV gluttons who make for such great “Soup” all year long.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Philosophy Dept. and include 1952’s ”Pat and Mike” (7:45 a.m.), 1941’s “Sergeant York” (4:30 p.m.) and 1967’s “The Graduate” (11 p.m.).

SATURDAY, FEB. 21
◊The 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards (4 p.m. on IFC): Steve Coogan (“Tropic Thunder”) hosts the this year’s ceremony that will air uncut, uncensored and commercial free (an edited rebroadcast of the event will air at 9 p.m. on AMC). Nominees for best feature are “Ballast,” “Frozen River,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Wendy and Lucy” and “The Wrestler.”
◊“Aisha Tyler is Lit: Live from the Fillmore” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central):   Recorded in her hometown of San Francisco at the historic Fillmore rock venue, comedienne Aisha Tyler tackles such important topics as staying in shape, married life, honesty and her drinking habits.
◊“Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Renowned for his expertise in wildlife and conservation, Jeff Corwin sets his sights on exploring human culture through regional cuisine in this primetime special. He enjoys countless surprises and unforgettable flavors as he interacts with natives and showcases how exotic foods and customs uniquely shape each community.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (7 p.m. on NBC): When celebrity illusionist Miles Stone disappears from his own stunt, Goren and Eames must explore the exclusive and very secretive world of magic and magicians in order to unravel the mystery. Paul Shaffer (“Late Show With David Letterman”) guest stars.
◊“Taking Chance” (7 p.m. on HBO): This fact-based drama stars Kevin Bacon as Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, the volunteer military escort who accompanied the body of Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old lance corporal killed in Iraq, home to Wyoming.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the American History Dept. and include 1944’s ”Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” (7 a.m.), 1989’s “Glory” (4:30 p.m.) and 1953’s “From Here to Eternity” (7 p.m.).
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

–Penny TV

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Top 80 TV Programs for Feb. 8-14

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. 8:

SUNDAY, FEB. 8
◊The 51st Annual Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on CBS): Rapper Lil Wayne is up for eight trophies at this year’s edition of the music industry’s top awards. Nominees with Oklahoma ties include Trisha Yearwood, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Kings of Leon, MercyMe, Elvin Bishop and Tom Paxton.
◊“1000 Ways to Die” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This news series showcases true stories about those who succumbed to the grim reaper in the most unorthodox styles.
◊The British Academy Film Awards (7 p.m. on BBC America): Shawnee-born actor Brad Pitt is up for awards in two categories — leading actor for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and supporting actor for “Burn After Reading.”  Duncan-born director Ron Howard received a nominations for his film “Frost/Nixon.”  The ceremony takes place at the Royal Opera House in London.
◊“The CollegeHumor Show” (8:30 p.m. on MTV): Created by two high school friends to share their crazy photos and stories while in college, CollegeHumor.com has grown into a pop culture phenomenon with six million loyal monthly readers. This new series provides an offbeat look into the company that creates some of today’s most popular Internet comedy.
◊“A Father’s Promise” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Al Roker (“Today”) hosts this documentary that examines why so many fathers fall out of their children’s lives, particularly in the inner city. It includes a round-table discussion with Tiki Barber (“Today”), Newark, N.J., mayor Cory Booker and Rev. Eugene Rivers, a Boston pastor.
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends” features the songwriter, producer and maestro to the stars on stage in Las Vegas with Blake Shelton, Josh Groban, Celine Dion and others.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (8 p.m. on HGTV): To kickoff the show’s second season, interior designer Genevieve Gorder (“Dear Genevieve”) and carpenter Carter Oosterhouse (“Carter Can”) will take on challengers Monica Pedersen (“Designed to Sell”) and Eric Stromer (“Over Your Head”) in a family room design battle.
◊“How’s Your News” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This new series focuses on a team of reporters with disabilities who drive across America in a customized tour bus documenting their experiences and laughs along the way.
◊NFL Pro Bowl (3:30 p.m. on NBC): The NFL season comes to an end with the Pro Bowl, being held for the 30th consecutive year in Honolulu. Next year’s game moves to Miami, the host city for Super Bowl XLIV, and will be played the weekend before the NFL championship.
◊“Nick News With Linda Ellerbee” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this installment titled “We Shall Not Be Moved,” youngsters of all races unite to make changes in their neighborhoods, schools and in themselves through political action, poetry and art.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): Travis Pastrana, a nine-time X Games gold medalist, has built an empire doing things previously thought impossible and always unadvisable. In this new series, he qill play an irrational game of one-upsmanship with his equally insane and entertaining buddies, including professional mountain biker Jim DeChamp and professional female motocross racer Jolene Van Vugt.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek (“Rob & Big”) continues to try new things in this new reality series. His new place of operation is a 25,000 square foot industrial complex he turnd into the world’s first indoor concrete skate plaza, complete with zip-lines and foam pits.
◊“The Science of Sex Appeal” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This new special looks at every detail of human sex appeal and explores it in terms of its evolution and function.
◊“Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney)(Disney Channel Photo above): Demi Lovato (“Camp Rock”) stars in this new comedy series as Sonny Munroe, a talented girl from the Midwest who relocates to Los Angeles to join the cast of a popular sketch comedy show for teens and tweens.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Anthropology Dept. and include 1982’s ”Poltergeist” (8:15 a.m.), 1953’s “Roman Holiday” (4:45 p.m.) and 1945’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (7 p.m.).
◊“XIII” (8 p.m. on NBC): The first femal president of the United States is assassinated during a speech, and the only suspect is a man found wounded in the woods three months later. He has amnesia, and the only clue to his identity is the Roman numeral XIII tattooed on his chest.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State University in women’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on FSOK.

MONDAY, FEB. 9
◊The Second Annual BET Honors” (8 p.m. on BET): Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) hosts the second annual event that recognizes African-American achievers who have made great strides in their careers while giving back to the community. This year’s honorees include songstress Mary J. Blige, filmmaker Tyler Perry, choreographer Judith Jamison, basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Congressman James E. Clyburn and television host B. Smith.
◊“American Experience” (12:29 a.m. on OETA-13): The new episode “The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln” remembers the 16th president of the United States — born 200 years ago this week — by focusing on the two months following his assassination. Actor Will Patton (“A Mighty Heart”) reads the words of assassin John Wilkes Booth.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio and the team go head-to-head with a defense attorney (Sean Combs, “A Raisin In the Sun”) who may be involved in a murder cover-up.
◊“The Girls of Hedsor Hall” (8 p.m. on MTV): In this new series, 12 of America’s rowdiest girls will be sent to prim-and-proper England for a complete transformation. Former Miss USA Tara Conner serves as the school’s visiting instructor.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): With Chuck missing since his father’s funeral, Uncle Jack (Desmong Harrington, “Dexter”) arrives on the Upper East Side to help Chuck pick up the messy pieces. But first he has to find him.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Following a chain of unexpected events, the Heroes are on the run from, their latest adversary and one of their own, Nathan Petrelli. Dan Byrd (“Aliens in America”) and Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”) guest star.
◊“Lagerfeld Confidential” (6 p.m. on Sundance): Shot over the course of three years, this new documentary offers an entertaining visit with German-born fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. He is shown photographing Nicole Kidman for an ad campaign, en roite to a lunch with Princess Caroline and in his Paris study sketching dresses for his new collection.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Business Dept. and include 1960’s ”The Apartment” (8:15 a.m.), 1945’s “Mildred Pierce” (2:45 p.m.) and 1951’s “The Man in the White Suit” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May return to the U.S., taking three new generation muscle cars on an trip from San Francisco to the heart of Utah.
◊“Trust Me” (9 p.m. on TNT): Mason promises Denise Raynor (Donna Murphy, “Passion”), CEO of Rothman Greene & Mohr, that his group is pinning its awards hopes on their new writer, Sarah.  But Sarah is becoming unhappy in her new job and is being wooed by the Mink Group’s nemesis.
◊“Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” (live from 7-8 p.m. on USA and 8-10 p.m. on CNBC): Twenty-five hundred dogs are entered in the 133rd annual event, but only one will claim the best in show title. Today’s coverage includes the hound, terrier, non-sporting and herding group competition. On Tuesday, the sporting, working, toy and best In show competition will air live from 7-10 p.m. on USA.

TUESDAY, FEB. 10
◊“10 Items or Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): Leslie makes a huge financial error when trying to hold a special sale to celebrate the store’s 150th anniversary.
◊“Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 1975 special was taken directly from the late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s famed comic strip. It will be followed by the 2002 special “A Charlie Brown Valentine.”
◊“The Biggest Loser 7” (7 p.m. on NBC): On the show’s 100th episode, a balancing competition will bring the winner a coveted prize — a 24-hour visit from a loved one back home.
◊“DEA” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): For Season 2, the network was given exclusive access to follow a group of special agents and task force officers in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s northern New Jersey headquarters. They risk their lives daily in the ongoing battle against illegal drugs.
◊“From G’s to Gents” (9 p.m. on MTV): Fonzworth Bentley returns to take a new group of rowdy bad boys and help them clean up their act. At the end of Season 2, the winner will walk away with $100,000.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): Jonathan Frakes (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) directs this episode in which the team uncovers an attempt to rig a court trial for which Parker happens be serving as a juror. Brent Spiner (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Armin Shimerman (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) and Lauren Holly (“NCIS”) guest star.
◊“T.I.’s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go” (8 p.m. on MTV): This new series chronicles the Grammy winning rapper’s year on probation before serving jail time for an arrest stemming from his earlier life. He completed 1,000 hours of community service to reduce his sentence.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the English Dept. and include 1970’s ”Scrooge” (9:30 a.m.), 1955’s “Richard III” (4:30 p.m.) and 1991’s “Enchanted April” (9 p.m.).
◊“Wingman” (8 p.m. on FLN, channel 113 on Dish Network, 172 on Cox, 232 on DirecTV): Thew new dating reality series follows date-challenged men and women in their search for soul mates. Guiding them alioing their path to success is stand-up comedian and relationship columnist Michael Somerville.
◊Tulsa Washington takes on Tulsa Edison in high school basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KOCB-34.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): The judges decide which hopefuls make the final cit and earn coveted spots in the Top 36.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A Russian tourist is found stabbed to death and the CSIs come face to face with the frightening realities of human trafficking. Julia Ormond (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) guest stars as Deputy Inspector Gillian Whitford.
◊“House of Payne” (9:30 p.m. on TBS): Ella has been exercising and dieting with no results and decides to step up her weight-loss plan by going to a health and wellness ranch.
◊“Important Things With Demetri Martin” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Stand-up comedian Demetri Martin is the creator, executive producer and star of this new sketch comedy series. He mixes stand-up comedy, sketches, animation, studio bits and music to explore one “important thing” per episode. The subject of the first episode is “timing.”
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Death threats targeting rock star Sebastian Grace expose Sam and Chris to the anything-goes rock and roll lifestyle, including Grace’s groupie, “Rocket Girl,” and an FBI agent known as “The Sorcerer” (Wallace Shawn, “The L Word”).
◊“Looking for Lincoln” (12:58 a.m. on OETA-13): Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. (“Oprah’s Roots”) explores the roots of President Lincoln and addresses many of the controversies surrounding the 16th president by interpreting evidence from those who knew him and those who study him today.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes indie duo She & Him (comprised of actress Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) and singer-songwriters Jakob Dyland and Jenny Lewis.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Zoology Dept. and include 1954’s ”20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (8:30 a.m.), 1963’s “The Birds” (2:30 p.m.) and 1943’s “Lassie Come Home” (9 p.m.).
◊“Uneven Fairways” (8 p.m. on Golf Channel): Samuel L. Jackson (“Lakeview Terrace” hosts this new special that chronicles an era when honor and fair play took a backseat to segregation. It reveals the story of the little-known, but rich history of the African-Americans who had the courage to stand up for their rights and pave the way for future stars of golf.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Iowa State in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.

THURSDAY, FEB. 12
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Jack prepares for an unconventional Valentine’s Day spent at church with girlfriend Elisa (Salma Hayek, “Frida).
◊The 40th NAACP Image Awards (7 p.m. on Fox): Oscar winner Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and actor-screenwriter Tyler Perry co-host the event that celebrates diversity in the arts. Two Nobel Peace Prize winners, former Vice President Al Gore and Kenyan activist Wangari Muta Maathai, are this year’s recipients of the Chairman’s Award.
◊“Animal Armageddon” (8 p.m on Aninal Planet): This new series sheds light on the evolution of Earth’s creatures and reveals the fragile and perilous nature of our planet.
◊“Cosby” marathon (7 p.m. to 1 a.m. today through Sunday on TV Land): Walk down memory lane as Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy experience the growing pains of approaching adulthood and give Cliff and Clair more than one reason to look forward to an empty nest.
◊“Delocated” (9:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In this new live-action series, “Jon” testifies against the Russian Mafia and is placed undercover with his family in a New York City loft. But rather than live quietly through a witness protection program, “Jon” convinces his family to become ski-masked reality stars and have their adventures chronicled for television audiences.

◊“ER” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): Former cast member Eriq La Salle (Dr. Peter Benton) directs this episode in which a car accident in the ambulance bay leaves a mother severely injured and in need of hip surgery.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison (Kate Walsh), Naomi (Audra McDonald) and Sam (Taye Diggs) rush the ailing Archer (Grant Show) to Seattle Grace and reunite with old friends Derek and Mark to help save his life.
◊“Making the Band 4” (8 p.m. on MTV): The new season picks up where it ended, with Danity Kane shattered and Day 26 determined not to suffer the same fate.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Patti Stanger is at the top of her game as owner of a Los Angeles-based elite matchmaking service in which she helps wealthy men find the women of their dreams. But there’s a twist for Season 2, as Patti adds female millionairesses and gay millionaire clients to the mix.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Adjusting to her new wealthy lifestyle proves difficult when Joy struggles to fit in with her trophy-wife neighbors. Morgan Fairchild (“Falcon Crest”) and Joan Van Ark (“Knots Landing”) guest star.
◊“Survivor: Tocantins” (7 p.m. on CBS): Left stranded in the wilds of Brazil for 39 days, the Season 18 castaways will battle scorching temperatures, torrential downpours, and dangerous wildlife all in an effort to outwit, outplay, and outlast one another in order to win $1 million.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Chemistry Dept. and include 1943’s ”Madame Curie” (9:30 a.m.), 1954’s “The Dam Busters” (2 p.m.) and 1959’s “Bell, Book and Candle” (9 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Betty tapes a video tribute for Claire Meade’s 60th birthday that’s very revealing, just not in the way she planned. But the real shocker comes when Betty accidentally leaves the camera on at home and discovers some revealing footage about Ignacio.
◊“Victor Borge: 100 Years of Music & Laughter” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Comedienne Rita Ruder narrates this special that features the Danish-born entertainer’s funniest and most memorable skits.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13
◊“Aaron Stone” (6 p.m. on Disney XD, channel 151 on Cox Digital Cable, 174 on Dish Network, 292 on DirecTV): This new series on Disney XD, which launched today in place of Toon Disney, focuses on Charlie Landers, the reigning world champion in the popular online game “Hero Rising.” When a billionaire recluse tells Charlie that “Hero Rising” is actually a test game for real secret agents, Charlie is recruited to be the real-life crime fighter Aaron Stone.
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Eliza Dushku (“Tru Calling”) stars in this new series about a group of secret operatives called ‘‘Actives” whose personalities are wiped clean after each mission. Then they get a new set for the next job. Also starring are Tahmoh Penikett (‘‘Battlestar Galactica”) and Olivia Williams (‘‘Miss Austen Regrets”).
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): Series star James Roday (Shawn Spencer) co-wrote and directed this episode, in which Shawn and Gus are hired by a childhood friend to find a missing camp counselor. The counselor disappeared near their old sleep away campgrounds. Justin Bateman (“Family Tues”) guest stars.
◊“Reading Rainbow” (noon on OETA-13): Host Levar Burton (“Roots”) tells a series of stories, asking if they are fact or fiction. A small panel of children offer their opinions on the stories.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Religion Dept. and include 1960’s ”Elmer Gantry” (9 a.m.), 1943’s “A Guy Named Joe” (4:45 p.m.) and 1982’s “Sophie’s Choice” (10:15 p.m.).
◊Norman North takes on Westmoore in high school basketball action airing live at 6:15 p.m. on Cox.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): An injured Sarah is guided by the image of John’s father, Kyle Reese, while Weaver’s move to protect John Henry results in deadly consequences.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Naomi, comfortable with her new living situation, is meddediately taken by Liam (Matt Lanter, “Heroes”), a hot bartender at her hotel.

◊“Before You Say I Do” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When the love of his life is too afraid to commit to marriage, a desperate man’s wish will send him back 10 years to rework history in order to ensure his future with the woman he wants to marry. David Sutcliffe (“Gilmore Girls”) and Jennifer Westfeldt (“Notes from the Underbelly”) star.
◊“Christopher Titus: Love is Evol” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Christopher Titus (“Titus”) takes the stage and riffs his way to Loverville as he tackles relationships, divorce and the root of all “evol” in this new comedy special.
◊“My Music: Love Songs of the 50s and 60s” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This cross-over pop and R&B special includes never-before-seen performances with archival favorites from the pre-Beatles era. Among the artists featured are Doris Day, Johnny Ray and Perry Como.
◊“Privileged” (8 p.m. on CW): Megan is thrilled when Will tells her that his father is starting a new magazine based on their idea.

◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Sociology Dept. and include 1951’s ”A Place in the Sun” (9:30 a.m.), 1937’s “The Awful Truth” (3:15 p.m.) and 1955’s “Love is a Many Slendored Thing” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Iowa State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Kansas in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.

–Penny TV

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Program Planner: Dec. 28-Jan. 3

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 Dec. 28:

SUNDAY, DEC. 28
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a serial bomber whose latest pipe bomb maimed the wrong target and whose three previous bombings, in 1999, 2001 and 2003, collectively blinded a man and killed two others. Timothy Omundson (“Jericho”) guest stars as the missed targtet of the latest bombing.
◊“Nick News With Linda Ellerbee” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): The new installment “Boys and Girls: In a Class of Ther Own?” visits several schools to get the students’ view on whether a single gender education is better.
◊“Summer Heights” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): In the first-season finale, Mr. G revels in the premiere of his musical and Jonah gives a gift to the students and teachers of Summer Heights High as the semester ends.

MONDAY, DEC. 29
◊“100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs” (9 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): In addition to counting down the 100 best guitar-driven, head-banging jams in rock history, this five-night compilation will feature updates on where various rock idols are today.
◊“The City” (9 p.m. on MTV): Whitney Port (“The Hills”) chases big dreams in the Big Apple in this new reality series. She strikes out on her own for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at global design house Diane Von Furstenberg in New York City.
◊“Greatest Holiday Moments: Hilarious Home Video Countdown” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special will rank the best amateur footage America has to offer, from memorable moments to classic Christmas chaos.
◊“Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven” (7 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary tells the story of one of New York’s premier restaurants, which has occupied three different Manhattan locations since opening in 1974.
◊“Momma’s Boys” (9 p.m. on NBC): Food Network chef Tyler Florence presents the women with their next suitability challenge – a cooking competition in which they must make either the boys’ favorite meal or impress them with their own personal recipes.
◊“Ron Howard: 50 Years in Film” (7 p.m. on TCM): Oklahoma-born Ron Howard, who went from child star (“The Andy Griffith Show”) to Oscar-winning director (“”A Beautiful Mind”) sits down with film critic and documentarian Richard Schickel (“Spielberg on Spielberg”) for an in-depth interview. The special will be followed by an airing 1977′s “Grand Theft Auto,” which was Howard’s directorial debut.

TUESDAY, DEC. 30
◊“The 31st Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (8 p.m. on CBS): Caroline Kennedy returns as host of the event that recognizes recipients for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. This year’s recipients are actor Morgan Freeman, country singer George Jones, choreographer Twyla Tharp, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of the Who, and singer-actress-producer-director Barbra Streisand.
◊“Happy New Year, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): Chad Allen (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”) provides the voice of Charlie Brown in this 1986 “Peanuts” special. Over Christman break, Charlie Brown has to read “War and Peace” and write a report out it, But holiday distractions keep getting in the way.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): To retrieve the money promised to the family of an innocent man who took the fall for a Mafia boss, the Leverage team poses as the wedding planners for the don’s only daughter on her big day. Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years”) and Nicole Sullivan (“The King of Queens”) guest star.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): The rock band Puddle of Mud will help the citizens of Llanview ring in the New Year with a performance of their hit single, “We Don’t Have to Look Back Now.” Lead singer Wes Scantlin will also act in scenes with Rex and Gigi.
◊“Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): The world’s most famous reindeer must help find Baby New Year before midnight. Red Skelton (“Three Little Words”), Frank Gorshin (“Batman”) and Morey Amsterdam (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”) provide voices for characters.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Arkansas in men’s college basketball airing live at 7 p.m. on KAUT-43.
Games from the boys high school basketball Tournament of Champions will air live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31
◊“NBC’s New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly” (9 p.m. on NBC): The fifth-annual event, which will be broadcast for the first time with one hour airing in primetime and one hour in late night, will feature performances by Elton John, Ludacris, Katy Perry, The Ting Tings and T.I. NBC News correspondent Luke Russert and Saturday “Today” co-anchor Amy Robach will report from various locations.
◊“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” (9 p.m. on ABC): Co-hosts (and executive producers) Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest will lead America into the New Year with three-and-a-half hours of specials and the famous countdown to midnight from New York City’s Time Square. Kellie Pickler (“American Idol”) will be the Times Square correspondent, Fergie will host the West Coast party. Scheduled performers include Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Natasha Bedingfield, Fall Out Boys, Jesse McCartney, Ne-Yo, Pussycat Dolls, Solange, Lionel Richie, will.i.am and Robin Thicke.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The New York Philmarhomic ushers in 2009 with mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. Renee Fleming hosts the show, which marks Maestro Lori Maazel’s last as music director of the Philharmonic.
◊“Lucy’s New Year’s Eve Countdown” (7 a.m. on TV Land): This 13-hour marathon will feature the top “I Love Lucy” episodes that were voted on by viewers — from from Lucy’s “Vitameatavegamin” commercial to Lucy and Ethel’s candy factory debacle.
◊“New Year’s Eve Live” (11 p.m. on Fox): Spike Feresten (“Talkshow With Spike Feresten”) and Mark Thompson (“Hole in the Wall”) co-host the celebration live from the Mirage in Las Vegas. “American Idol” Season 7 winner David Cook and Grammy-winning musician Scott Sweiland are scheduled to perform, while daredevil Robbie Knievel  will attempt a 200-foot motorcycle jump over Mirage’s renovated volcano.
◊New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” (10 p.m. on CNN): The CNN host and the comedienne will report on celebrations worldwide. Musical guests will include Li’l Wayne, My Morning Jacket, Coolio, 3 Doors Down and the Oklahoma band Hinder.
◊“Red Bull: New Year: New Year. No Limits” (10 p.m. on ESPN): The sports network will air two stunts live from Las Vegas. Rhys Millen will attempt to do a complete back-flip of an off-road truck, while Robbie Maddison will try to land his motorcycle on top of the Arc de Triomphye replica in front of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
◊“Totally New Year” (5 p.m. on Disney): “Wizards of Waverly Place” cast members Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin and Jennifer Stone will co-host this 6 1/2-hour programming block that will feature viewers’ favorite Disney Channel episodes, moments and music videos.

THURSDAY, JAN. 1
◊“The 120th Tournament of Roses Parade” (10 a.m. on NBC and HGTV): This year’s theme is ‘‘Hats Off to Entertainment,” and the grand marshal is Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress Cloris Leachman. Al Rocker (“Today”) and Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”) co-host NBC’s coverage. Gardening expert Paul James from Tulsa will be part of HGTV’s broadcast team.
◊“Cinema’s Exiles: From Hitler to Hollywood” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens”) narrates this documentary about the German film professionals who fled Hitler’s Germany and escaped to Hollywood.
◊“Dear Genevieve” (noon on HGTV): Get a sneak peek at the new series featuring popular designer Genevieve Gorder (“Trading Spaces”). She will delve into viewer-submitted emails and demonstrate the answers in-person for a lucky online user who submitted his or her design dilemma to www.HGTV.com/deargenevieve/. The series will air Mondays at 7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 5.
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Julie Andrews (“The Sound of Music”) hosts the 25th annual holiday celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic.
◊“Desperate To Buy” (2 p.m. on HGTV): This new docu-drama follows desperate homebuyers and their real estate broker through the high-stress process of finding the perfect home fast. The series will air Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. beginning at Jan. 7.
◊“HGTV Dream Home 2009″ (8 p.m. on HGTV): This special offers a private tour inside this year’s luxurious HGTV Dream Home, located in Sonoma, Calif.
◊“Income Property” (3 p.m. on HGTV): Renovation expert Scott McGillivray hosts this new series that will help homeowners with high mortgage payments and low cash flow create “rental suites” in their homes as a way to help cut monthly expenses. The series will air Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 7.
◊“The Property  Shop” (9 p.m. on HGTV): This new series follows Realtor-turned-broker Tatiana Londono as she competes head-to-head with major real estate agencies to rise to the top of the real estate world. The series will air Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 8.
◊“The Unsellables” (1 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, property guru and British TV personality Sofie Allsopp, along with contractor Anthony Sayers, will show viewers how to tackle cluttered kitchens, messy bedrooms and outdated design to create real estate gems out of homes considered “unsellable.”  The series will air Fridays at 9:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 9.

FRIDAY, JAN. 2
◊“Blame It on Fidel” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Set in Paris in 1970, this insightful comedy unfolds from the perspective of Anna, 9, who has to make adjustments when her parents plunge full-time into leftist activism.
◊“Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m. on CW): Chris is determined to spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square, but Rochelle says Chris can only go if he finds a responsible adult to accompany him. The only problem is that the only people Chris can find to be his chaperone are two ex-convicts, Peaches (Tisha Campbell-Martin, “Rita Rocks”) and Malvo (Ricky Harris, “Moesha”).
◊“The Game” (8:30 p.m. on CW): Tasha and Malik are totally freaked out when it is accidentally revealed that Tasha’s boyfriend, Rick (Rick Fox, “Dirt”), and Malik’s wife, Robin (Robin Givens, “Courthouse”), have a past together.
◊“Janis Ian Love From Grand Center” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The Grammy winner performs 15 songs from her 40-year career. The special also features archival footage, including Ian singing “Society’s Child” at age 15.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team come under pressure when a former FBI subcontractor (Enrico Colantoni, “Veronica Mars”) shoots an agent inside the FBI headquarters and takes one of their own as a hostage, leaving them with a severely restricted plan of action.

SATURDAY, JAN. 3
◊“Everyday Food” (10 a.m. on OETA-13): Back for a fifth season are the show’s five hosts who present step-by-step instruction of reciped featured in Everyday Food magazine.
◊“Game Show in My Head” (7 p.m. on CBS): Joe Rogan (“Fear Factor”) hosts this new hidden camera game show in which contestants compete for the chance to win $50,000 by completing outrageous challenges in public.
◊“Huntik” (9:30 a.m. on CW): This new animated series focuses on a group of seekers who travel the world in search of an ancient amulet with the power to control monsters.
◊“Nanny Express” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Vanessa Marcil (“Las Vegas”) is a nanny with a knack for healing a hurting family in this new movie that co-stars Dean Stockwell (“Quantum Leap”), Stacy Keach (“Prison Break”) and Brennan Elliott (“Strong Medicine”).
◊“RAH! Paula Abdul’s Cheerleading Bowl” (11 a.m. on MTV): This 90-minute special spotlights five collegiate squads hand-selected by Paula Abdul (former Los Angeles Laker Girl) as they travel to New York City to compete in the ultimate cheerleading competition.
◊“Underdog to Wonderdog” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series follows the Doggie Wonder Team made up of a trainer, groomer, carpenter and host, as they use their canine expertise to revamp down-on-their-luck shelter pups just in time to place them in a good home.
◊“Smother” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): After losing his job, a man (Dax Shepard) deals with pressure from his wife (Liv Tyler), who wants to have a child, and from his mother (Diane Keaton), who moves in.

–Penny TV

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