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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Nov. 8-14, 2009

  Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Nov. 8.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••Nicole Anderson (”Jonas”) on “Imagination Movers,” 9 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Justin Bieber (teen pop singer) on “True Jackson VP,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Nickelodeon.
••Chris Bowers (”Rescue Me”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Care Bears on Fire (tween punk rock band) on “True Jackson VP,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Nickelodeon.
••Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) on “Legend of the Seeker,” 4 p.m. Sunday on KOCB-34.
••Nick Chinlund (”Desperate Housewives”) on “The Mentalist,” 9 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Matt Davis (”Legally Blonde”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Jason Dolley (”Good Luck Charlie”) on “Imagination Movers,” 9 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) on “Garage Mahal,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on DIY.
••Laurence Fishburne (”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS, and “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••David Gallagher (“7th Heaven”) on “Smallville,” 7 p.m. Friday on CW.
••Joel Grey (”Cabaret”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Chuck Hittinger (”ER”) on “Jonas,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Disney.
••Kelly Hu (”Martial Law”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Penny Johnson Jerald (”24″) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Swoosie Kurtz (”Pushing Daisies”) on “Rita Rocks,” 9 p.m. Monday on Lifetime.
••Drew Lachey (“The Comebacks”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Padma Lakshmi (”Top Chef”) on “Watch What Happens,” 11 p.m. Thursday on Bravo.
••Virginia Madsen (“Smith”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Eric McCormack (”Will & Grace”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Kathy Najimy (”Sister Act”) on “Desperate Housewives,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Paula Newsome (”Women’s Murder Club”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••First Lady Michelle Obama on “Sesame Street,” 9 a.m. Tuesday on OETA-13.
••Kelly Pickler (”American Idol”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Amy Pietz (”Caroline in the City”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Lou Diamond Phillips (”La Bamba”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Teri Polo (“I’m With Her”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Kim Raver (”24″) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Adam Rodriguez (“CSI: Miami”) on “Ugly Betty,” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Gavin Rossdale (musical artist) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••“Sesame Street” characters on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader,” 7 p.m. Monday on CMT.
••Alan Thicke (”Growing Pains”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Jacob Vargas (”Traffic”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Nadine Valezquez (”My Name Is Earl”) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

Pictured above: Photo: First Lady Michelle Obama, Muppets & Cast in “MICHELLE OBAMA PALNTS A GARDEN.” PHOTO CREDIT – Richard Termine

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 15-21, 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 Nov. 8:

SUNDAY, NOV. 8, 2009
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 1 finale, George, Jonathan and Ray accept a challenge from George’s publishing rival, Richard, and agree to a tripleheader boxing match — the guys from Edition against the GQ crew.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the murder of an accomplished 45-year-old Mexican-born jockey who “disappeared” within hours of losing a race he’d long planned as his last before retirement. The music of Santana will play exclusively throughout the episode.  Jacob Vargas (”Traffic”) guest stars as the slain jockey’s apprentice.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Susan believes Katherine may be Julie’s assailant while Angie confronts Nick about the secret he’s withholding from her. Kathy Najimy (”Sister Act”) guest stars.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Kellie Pickler travels with the team to Beavercreek, Ohio, to tell James Terpenning, a wheelchair sports champion and mentor to disabled Iraqi War veterans, that he and his family will have a newly rebuilt home in seven days.
◊“Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Not Fat … I’m Fluffy” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): This all-new stand-up special features the comedian’s perfect blend of impeccable voice skills and an uncanny knack for hilarious storytelling.  Iglesias’s high-caliber performance was filmed in front of a packed house at the historic Plaza Theatre in El Paso, Texas.
◊“Jonas” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Joe discovers Stella is going on a date with the star jock Van Dyke Tosh (Chuck Hittinger, “ER”), so he has a date, as well.
◊“Keeping Up With the Kardashians: The Wedding” (7 p.m. on E!): After a whirlwind romance, Khloe Kardashian takes a magical journey down the aisle with Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom. Join Kim, Kourtney and the whole Kardashian clan along with Hollywood’s elite for an insider’s look at this star-studded event.
◊“Legend of the Seeker” (4 p.m. on KOCB-34): In Season 2, Richard, Kahlan and Zedd will encounter an array of new characters, both good and evil, and they will be tested in ways that they never could have imagined. The trio will discover that in defeating the bloodthirsty tyrant Darken Rahl, their victory is short-lived as they inadvertently unleashed an even greater evil on the world. Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) guest stars as a wicked Mord’Sith named Triana.
◊“Mad Men” (9 p.m. on AMC): As Don has a meeting with Connie, Pete has a chat with his clients, and Betty receives an interesting piece of advice in the Season 3 finale.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The black mamba hasn’t been studied in the wild much, because most people who encounter this large, deadly snake kill it on sight. But in this new episode, a team of snake handlers in Swaziland braves the danger to conduct a six-week study of the deadly reptile.
◊“The Prince & Me: Holiday Honeymoon” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In this sequel to “The Prince & Me: The Royal Wedding,” newlyweds Queen Paige (Kam Heskin) and King Edvard (Chris Geere) try to escape the spotlight by honeymooning in Belavia. But instead they end up uncovering a plot against the Danish monarchy.
◊“Stacked: CMA Nominees 2009″ (9:30 a.m. on CMT): This special features the CMA Awards nominees in the video of the year category — Randy Houser’s “Boots On,” Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” Bill Currington’s “People Are Crazy,” Brad Paisley’s “Start a Band” duet with Keith Urban and Geirge Strait’s “Troubadour.” The 43rd annual CMA Awards ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC. 
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): Reed Timmer aims to step up from aggressive chaser to extreme scientist with his new military-grade radar capable of measuring wind speeds inside a twister. And he gets his vehicle inside the circulation of an EF3 for the intercept of a lifetime.
◊“Surviving 2012″ (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special explores the most plausible planetary disasters that 2012 may bring to determine whether or not the end of life on Earth really is lurking just around the corner.
◊“The Time I …” (6:55 p.m. on Disney): This new short-form series features young viewers sharing milestones in ther lives. The 1-2 minute segments include the stories “The Time I…Became a Big Sister” by 12-year-old Jasmine, “The Time I….Rode an Elephant” by 12-year-old Tiana, “The Time I….Flew By Myself” by 8-year-old Reese and “The Time I…Won a Blue Ribbon at the Country Fair” by 10-year-old cousins Hope and Logan.

MONDAY, NOV. 9, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on CMT): Host Jeff Foxworthy welcomes Bert, Grover, Prairie Dawn, Zoe and Cookie Monster for a week-long event celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street.” A different co-host will be featured each day of the week as contestants test there knowledge of grade-school level questions on the fast-paced game show.
◊“BBC World News America” (6 p.m. on BBC America): A special edition of the show broadcasts live from Berlin on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. German-born Matt Frei, who reported from Berlin on the day the Wall fell 20 years ago, returns to his native country to anchor the program from the historic Brandenburg Gate.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio Caine calls Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) to come to Miami when a severed leg found in the Everglades is discovered to belong to a girl who went missing in Las Vegas a week earlier. 
◊“Garage Mahal” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) throws down his carving knife and picks up a hammer to help the DIY Network crew and host Brian Corsetti build a vintage diner style garage, complete with rolling car and custom back bars, diamond plate wainscoting and chair rail, black and white murals and a half-ton of classic auto parts.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Not satisfied with just being Queen of Constance Billard, Jenny sets her sights on becoming Queen of all the Upper East Side. Leighton Meester;s new single “Somebody to Love” is featured, along with a guest performance from all-girl rock band Plastiscines.
◊“How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmmaker Leslie Woodhead, who first met the Beatles in 1962 when he worked on a film in the Liverpool Cavern Club, talks to Russians who grew up listening to the Beatles and found hope and inspiration in their music and their message of rebellion.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barney and Robin hit a rough patch in their relationship, Lily devises the perfect plan to break them up, calling in help from Robin’s famous friend, Alan Thicke.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Cassie tells Charles she wants to apply to school in New York, and Lizzie gets into trouble at school.
◊“Lopez Tonight” (10 p.m. on TBS): Comedian and actor George Lopez headlines this new late-night talk show that will feature a street-party feel with pumped-up music, audience interaction and a format that is open to change each day. His prmeiere-night guests include Ellen DeGeneres (”Ellen”), Eva Longoria-Parker (”Desperate Housewives”) and Kobe Bryant (NBA player).
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Series star Sophia Bush (Brooke) directed this episode in which devastating news threatenes to derrail Brook and Julian’s fairytale romance.
◊“Rita Rocks” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Swoosie Kurtz (”Pushing Daisies”) guest stars as Rita’s overly judgmental mother, Marilyn. Rita scrubs down the house and hides all the junk food to prepare for a visit from Marilyn, who decides to stay a couple weeks longer to spend more quality time with Rita and the family.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): Meredith Vieira won’t be the only person asking questions on the game show. Starting today, she will get assistance from celebrities such as Senator John McCain, Vanessa Williams (”Ugly Betty”), Jane Lynch (”Glee”), Joe Mantegna (”Criminal Minds”) and Robin Roberts (”Good Morning America”). Monday is also the first day of the “Million Dollar Tournament of Ten” that will feature the season’s top 10 contestants who will get a shot at a $1 million question.

TUESDAY, NOV. 10, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Playing the game for charity are celebrities Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) and Drew Lachey (“The Comebacks”).
◊“Disaster House” (9 p.m. on DIY): Host Josh Temple and his team drop a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis from nearly 100 feet to replicate years of damage a normal driveway can endure and what homeowners can do to repair common problems. He also uses a Pumpkin Cannon to shoot a variety of fruits at a home mailbox to show viewers how to repair theirs.
◊“Full Throttle Saloon” (9 p.m. on truTV): This new series takes viewers behind-the-scenes at The Throttle, a biker bar in Sturgis, S.D. The 30-acre indoor/outdoor bar features several large stages, a burn-out pit, a tattoo parlor, zip lines, a wrestling ring, restaurants, dozens of stores, hundreds of cabins for rent and parking for thousands of bikes. It is only open two weeks a year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While representing the daughter of one of the partner’s at the law firm, Alicia finds herself attracted to her co-counsel and his unorthodox approach to defending their client. Chris Bowers (”Rescue Me”) guest stars as Alicia’s co-counsel.
◊“In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville” (9 p.m. on ABC): Take a backstage tour of the country music scene with Robin Roberts (”Good Morning America”) as she goes home with Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood and Nashville residents Tim McGraw and Martina McBride. Also on the itinerary are interviews with Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn and Rosanne Cash.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In “D Tour,” documentarian Jim Granato tells the story of Pat Spurgeon, an aspiring indie rocker whose life and career suffer a setback when one of his kidneys begins to fail. The film follows him as he searches for a donor while on tour with his band Rogue Wave.
◊“James May on the Moon” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Driven by his passion for technology, “Top Gear” presenter James May seeks out both the astronauts and the men who built the space vehicles. And through manipulation of archive footage, May buckles up with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, lands the Eahle and takes a space walk.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Kelly Hu (”Martial Law”), Penny Johnson Jerald (”24″) and Paula Newsome (”Women’s Murder Club”) guest star.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): The world’s largest informal children’s educator celebrates its 40th birthday today, which is the exact day the series debuted on television four decades ago. The new season will feature a new show opening, a new nature curriculum and the new First Lady Michelle Obama, who appears in the premiere epusode and teaches “the street’s” residents about the many benefits of planting a garden and healthy eating.
◊“Starz Inside: Sex and the Cinema” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special explores how sexually charged films reflect out own sexual liberation. It also looks at many films that push the boundary, from mainstream studio films to producyt that comes from the porn industry.
◊“The Will: Families Divided” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the intrigue, legal wrangling and high emotions surrounding real-life stories of family inheritance — whether there is a valid will or not.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009
◊“The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, the reigning CMA female and male vocalists of the year, co-host the event for the second consecutive year. Both are also nominees and are scheduled to perform, along with Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift and George Strait.
◊“Apocalypse: The Second World War” (7 p.m. on  Smithsonian Channel): Martin Sheen (”The West Wing”) narrates this six-part series featuring footage filmed by those who witnessed the war first-hand. This footage was deemed ‘unfit’ for civilians to see.  Until now. It has been restored, colorized and transferred to high definition. The series will air over six consecutive nights.
◊“Change the World: American Heroes” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Craftsman Carter Oosterhouse and designer Monica Pedersen transform homes in Philadelphia and St. Louis into comfortable and welcoming places for veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.
◊“Coca-Cola: The Real Story Behind the Real Thing” (8 p.m. on CNBC): With unprecedented access, CNBC pulls back the curtain on Coca-Cola, revealing never-before-seen labs, secret archives and high-tech product testing. Cameras follow Coke’s urgent campaign to reinvent itself after years of losing ground to arch-rival Pepsi in the race to develop new beverages.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit follows a trail of murders that seems to align with the tour schedule of a rock star. Gavin Rossdale plays a Goth performer who has become lost in the frightening alter-ego he portrays on stage — an alter-ego the BAU team suspects may be a brutal serial killer.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) rushes to New York when Det. Mac Taylor and his team identify a woman hidden in a big rig following an accident as someone he interviewed in Miami related to his missing person’s case.   Though the woman disappears after the accident, Langston and Mac discover they’re onto an interstate trucking ring that specializes in human cargo and black market organ harvesting.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison is jilted when her new “friend,” Sophia (Nadine Valezquez, “My Name Is Earl”), prefers Gary’s company over hers.
◊“Ghost Hunters Academy” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In this new spinoff of “Ghost Hunters,” two members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society — technical manager Steve Gonsalves and evidence analyst Dave Tango — show a group of college students how to investigate reports of paranormal activity.
◊“POV” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Way We Get By” tells the stories behind a group of retired and elderly citizens in Maine who have taken it upon themselves to greet every troop plane arriving or departing Bangor, which is the last and first piece of U.S. soil many soldiers see before and after their deployments.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Max (Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”) points out to Christine that she quits anything that gets too hard, including relationships, which is one of the reasons he chose to be her therapist rather than her boyfriend.
◊“Return to Duty” (8 p.m. on MTV): Viewers of “The Real World: Brooklyn” may remember the emotional moment when cast member and Army vet Ryan Conklin was unexpectedly recalled for a second tour of duty in Iraq. In this documentary, Conklin takes viewers through the year since that day, offering a soldier’s view of America’s changing military presence in the long war in Iraq.
◊“Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new episode “Airmen and the Headhunters” recounts the rescue of a U.S. bomber crew shot down over the jungles of Japanese-occupied Borneo during World War II. Dayak tribesmen, known for taking the heads of their enemies, fed and protected the airmen.

THURSDAY, NOV. 12, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) continues the search for the young girl taken hostage as part of the human trafficking operation. It leads him to investigate a prostitution ring in Las Vegas that may harbor the missing woman.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Owen recruits his fellow Iraqi War vet, Dr. Teddy Altman, as the new cardiothoracic surgeon, Cristina questions Teddy’s abilities in the operating room and the nature of their past relationship. Joel Grey (”Cabaret”) and Kim Raver (”24″) guest star.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Jane and the team examine the crime scene where a baseball scout is found murdered, Jane is clocked in the head by a ball and flashes back to his childhood with his overbearing father (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”).
◊“Stateline: Behind the Curtain” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentary series unveils what it takes to maintain Oklahoma’s world class museums and attractions. Attractions featured include the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, home to thousands of varieties of sea life; the J.M. Davis Gun Museum in Claremore that could outfit an army; and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, which prepares for performances days in advance of the curtain.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): A mysterious new history teacher (Matt Davis, “Legally Blonde”) arrives at the high school. And when Elena, Bonnie and Caroline hold a seance, the results are stranger than any of them expected.

FRIDAY, NOV. 13, 2009
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Motown Records, “Stevie Wonder: Live At Last” features the American musician in a concert performance at London’s O2 Arena.
◊“Invitation Only: Tim McGraw” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music artist Tim McGraw returns to the stage to perform his biggest hits and music from his latest album “Southern Voice.” He also takes questions from fans and gives revealing and candid answers.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison fears the worst about Ariel’s new boyfriend when she suspects him of murdering a man.  Also, Bridgette posts embarrassing videos of a man on the Internet and gets into trouble. Amy Pietz (”Caroline in the City”) guest stars as the mother of Ariel’s boyfriend in this episode directed by David Arquette (“Scream”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While tracking down a felon running a heroin ring inside a prison, Agent Ian Edgerton (Lou Diamond Phillips, “La Bamba”) becomes a murder suspect when the informant he meets with ends up dead, sending a desperate Edgerton over the edge when he takes a member of Don’s team hostage.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): DC Comics’ “The Wonder Twins” Jayna and Zan (David Gallagher, 7th Heaven) show up in Metroplolis to help The Blur fight crime. But they end of botching several rescues.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Hilda’s bad-boy high school flame and Betty’s schoolgirl crush — Bobby Talercio (Adam Rodriguez, “CSI: Miami”) — teaches at Justin’s school, causing the sisters to both doubt their feelings for “nice guys” — such as Archie (Ralph Macchio, “The Karate Kid”), in Hilda’s case.

SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 2009
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Host Claire Robinson prepares all her Thanksgiving recipes with five or fewer ingredients. She cooks up roasted turkey breast with gravy, cornbread dressing and a ginger pumpkin tart.
◊“Ask Aida” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Create a Thanksgiving feast with host Aida Mollenkamp’s crowd-pleasing menu. She fixes an apple-sage roast turkey, whole wheat stuffing and a pecan pumpkin crunch. She also shares her simple recipe for hearty pan gravy.
◊“Cougar Town” (4 p.m. on SoapNet): This two-hour marathon includes the first three episodes (as well as the fifth episode) of the ABC series starring Courteney Cox as a recently divorced single mother exploring the truths about dating and aging. 
◊“Everything She Ever Wanted” (7 p.m on Lifetime Movie Network): This two-part miniseries, which concludes Nov. 15, stars Gina Gershon (”Bound”) as a Southern woman whose storybook wedding signals the beginning of a nightmare marriage that is ultimately upended by greed and violence. It is inspired by a true story.
◊“Flower Girl” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Marla Sokoloff (”The Practice”) stars in this new romance as Laurel, a florist who can’t seem to find the man of her dreams. But when her grandmother (Marion Ross) tries to fix Laurel up with the perfect man, before she knows it, she has not one but two potential suitors on her hands and must decide if its time to follow her heart or her head.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): In the episode “A Fairy Tale Ending,” the Movers must convince Cinderella to go home and back to her story so she can have her fairy tale ending with Prince Charming. The episode features the debut of the new original song “When You Grow Up.” Nicole Anderson (”Jonas”) and Jason Dolley (”Good Luck Charlie”) guest star as Cinderella and Prince Charming.
◊“Oklahoma Hall of Fame” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The 2009 Oklahoma Hall of Fame class of 2009 is inducted. The seven Oklahoma honorees are: C. Kendric Fergeson, Altus; Marlin G. “Ike” Glass, Jr., Newkirk; V. Burns Hargis, Stillwater; Polly A. Nichols, Oklahoma City; Lee Roy Selmon, Eufaula; Steven W. Taylor, McAlester; and Wayman Lawrence Tisdale, Tulsa, who will be inducted posthumously.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): January Jones (”Mad Men”) makes her “SNL” debut as host. Back for their second appearance are musical guests The Black Eyed Peas, three-time Grammy Award winners.
◊“Super Dave’s Spike-Tacular” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): Emmy winner Bob Einstein returns as Super Dave Osbourne, self-described as the greatest daredevil superstar entertainer of all time, as he prepares for a weekly death-defying stunt. Stunts he will attempt in the four-part special event include trying to break the NASCAR speed record on a track loaded with explosives, breaking the speed record in the Guinness Book of World Records for a hybrid vehicle, challenging the world’s six greatest paintball players and stepping into the Octagon with former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): The five warning signs that your financial advisor doesn’t have your best interest at heart.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the Season 2 premiere, True is determined to save her school’s design department from budget cuts and decides to hold a fundraising concert. Making special celebrity appearances are teen pop singer Justin Bieber and Brooklyn tween punk rock band Care Bears on Fire.

–Penny TV

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Oct. 25-31, 2009

  Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Oct. 25.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

••Tim Bagley (”Will & Grace”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Dylan Baker (”Kings”) on “Ugly Betty,” 8 p.m. on ABC
••Keith Carradine (”Complete Savages”) on “Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Frances Conroy (”Six Feet Under”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Jennifer Elise Cox (”The Brady Bunch Movie”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Cindy Crawford (“Fashion Flashback”) on “Big Ideas for a Small Planet,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance.
••Alexis Denisof (”Angel”) on “Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Rocco DiSpirito (”Dancing With the Stars”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Michael Clarke Duncan (”The Green Mile”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Jeff Dunham (”The Jeff Dunham Show”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Hector Elizondo (”Pretty Woman”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Frances Fisher (”Eureka”) on “The Mentalist,” 9 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Soleil Moon Frye (”Punky Brewster”) on “Big Ideas for a Small Planet,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance.
••John Michael Higgins (”Best in Show”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Jonathan Jackson (”Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) on “General Hospital,” 2 p.m. on ABC.
••Allison Janney (”The West Wing”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Derek Jeter (New York Yankees) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Sandra Lee (”Sandra’s Money Saving Meals”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Jordan Lloyd (”Big Brother 11″ winner) on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” 12:30 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Roma Maffia (”Nip/Tuck”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Patton Oswalt (”The King of Queens”) on “Bored to Death,” 8:35 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Rowdy Roddy Piper (”WWF SmackDown!”) on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” 9 p.m. Thursday on FX.
••Natalie Portman (”New York, I Love You”) on “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo.
••Jackson Rathbone (”Twilight”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Marion Ross (”Happy Days”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jeff Schroeder (voted America’s favorite houseguest on “Big Brother 11″) on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” 12:30 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Jerry Seinfeld (”Seinfeld”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Jamie-Lynn Sigler (”The Sopranos”) on “Ugly Betty,” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC
••Trey Songz (R&B singer) on “Lincoln Heights,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Dr. Travis Stork (“The Doctors”) on “Three Rivers,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Aida Turturro (”The Sopranos”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Muse Watson (”Prison Break”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Betty White (The Golden Girls”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.

 Pictured Above: “Code Green” — Andy (Alex O’Loughlin, right) talks to Dr. Travis (Dr. Travis Stork, left), an anesthesiologist, on THREE RIVERS. (Photo screen grab/CBS Studio)

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TV Preview Podcast: ‘White Collar’

Each week, The Oklahoman TV Editor Penny Soldan hosts an audio podcast discussing an upcoming TV premiere.
This week’s premiere is the new USA Network series “White Collar” premiering at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
To hear her discussion with Don P. Brown, features copy editor for The Oklahoman, click on the player below.

Pictured above: Matt Bomer (”Chuck”) and Tim DeKay (”Carnivale”) in “White Collar” (USA Network Photo)

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TV Premieres and Finales airing Oct. 18-24. 2009

 

  Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Oct. 18.
   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
••“Alex’s Day Off,” 8:30 a.m. Sunday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“On the Case With Paula Zahn,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Storm Chasers,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (third-season premiere).
••“Lock ‘N Load,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Showtime (series premiere).
••“Living With Ed,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (third-season premiere).
••“American Chopper,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TLC (sixth season resumes).
••“The Jeff Dunham Show,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“Supernanny,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC (fifth-season premiere).
••“White Collar,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA Network (series premiere).
••“Daycare Diaries,” 7 p.m. Saturday on TLC (series premiere).
••“The Academy: Orange County Fire,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Fox Reality Channel (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Shark Tank,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Flipping Out,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (third-season finale).
••“The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory,” 8 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season finale).

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Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 18-24, 2009

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Oct. 18:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 2009
◊“Alex’s Day Off” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Alexandra Guarnaschelli, professional chef, working mom and passionate home cook, invites viewers to share her down-to-earth recipes. She shows how cooking her personal and playful style of American, French and Italian fare can be elegant and approachable, with a side of sass.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Having just returned from France, Sarah distracts Kitty through chemo treatments with tales of her intense romance with a French artist (Gilles Marini, “Sex and the City”).
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team delves into the 1970 murder of a musician who tried to keep his involvement with the Philadelphia Soul scene a secret from his strict preacher father for whom he was an organist. Loretta Devine (”Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry learns to embrace the upside of disability without actually being disabled, and looks to disprove the rumor that Rosie O’Donnell can kick his butt.
◊“An Engtlishman in New York” (9 p.m. on Logo): This film follows the life of famed writer and performer Quentin Crisp at the peak of his career in the late 1970’s.  Upon the recent success of Crisp’s famous autobiography-turned-film, “The Naked Civil Servant,” Quentin (John Hurt) leaves the U.K. to offer lectures and performances in New York City.  The film explores Quentin’s psyche as he faces the consequences of his casual quip stating that AIDS was “a fad,” leading to social rejection and obscurity.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Lancaster, Texas, to rebuild the home of Carlton Marshall, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team. Country singer Trace Adkins is the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Halloween Block Party” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Three families join forces with lifestyle experts and event planners Michael Russo, Kelley Moore and Eddie Ross to create a Halloween neighborhood bash. The special will offer up design tricks and treats on decor, food, pumpkin carving, floral arrangements, tablescapes and entertainment to help viewers get their haunt on this Halloween.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Hannah fills in for Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol”) alongside judges Andy and Byron on reality show “America’s Top Talent.” Her stint as a guest judge turns complicated when Oliver auditions and delivers a knock-out performance.
◊“I Am a Champion” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary follows three athletes in their quest to compete in the 40th annual Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games held May 13-15 in Stillwater.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The murder of a small-time criminal leads Lewis and Hathaway to a prominent Oxford don-turned-celebrity athiest in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: The Point of Vanishing.”
◊“Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut)” (8 p.m. on IFC): This six-part documentary series airing today through Friday will feature interviews with the surviving Python troupe members, who tell their life story and reveal deeper truths alongside the more tried and tested Python history lessons.
◊“Occupation” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new drama captures the lives of three British soldiers caught physically and emotionally in the cross-fire of the Iraq war. Amid growing sectarian conflict and a boom time fuelled by billions of dollars from the U.S., their dreams of riches, love and making a difference come to define not just their lives but also the occupation itself.
◊“On the Case With Paula Zahn” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new weekly newsmagazine, Paula Zahn steps away from the traditional anchor chair and into the field to interview the pivotal figures shaping stories. Her interviews, including several exclusives where people are speaking for the first time, lift the secrecy on acts of deceit, malice and revenge.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): “Treehouse of Horror XX” features three new tales of the strange, spooky and supernatural. It begins with a homage to classic Alfred Hitchcock movies, followed by a parody of the horror film “28 Days Later” and a nod to the Broadway musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In Season 3, University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer and his team return with their newly armored chase vehicle “The Dominator,” racing to be first on the storm scene ahead of IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his monster tank-like TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle).
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurism. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.
◊“Timewatch: The Rebel Pharaoh’s Lost City” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Archaeologosts in the central Egyptian desert make an extraordinary discovery of an ancient cemetery whee 1,000 people from the Pharaoh’s lost capital of Amarna are buried. The 3,500-year-old bones tell a remarkable new story about these peoplke and their city.
◊“Witness to Waco” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new documentary provides an in-depth look into the Branch Davidians, a religious cult led by David Koresh in the late 1980s and early 1990s that ultimately met with a tragic end.  Featured are interviews with survivors of the tragedy and rarely-seen footage of David Koresh and other members of the group inside the compound throughout the siege of the property.

MONDAY, OCT. 19, 2009
◊“American Carny: True Tales from the Circus Side Show” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Magician Penn Jillette narrates this special that explores the world of American circus entertainers and features behind-the-scenes footage with some of the world’s most interesting acts.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): When Lakewood Elementary’s lunch lady Mrs. MacGrady is diagnosed with cancer, Arthur and his friends all react differently to the news. Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour De France winner) makes a special appearance to show Francine and the Elwood City residents how they can take a stand, or ride a bike, for cancer survivors.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon settles a score with his nemesis, Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Wolowitz begs Leonard to get Penny to set him up with one of her friends.
◊“Bud Greenspan Presents: Beijing 2008 — America’s Olympic Glory” (6 p.m. on Showtime): With behind-the-scenes footage and a poignant narrative, this film features six American stories. Among those profiled are gymnast Nastia Liukin, swim team captain Jason Lezak and fencers Keeth and Erinn Smart.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alexx Woods (Khandi Alexander) and Eric Delko return to help the CSIs stop a deadly outbreak in Miami.
◊“Dr. G: America’s Most Shocking Cases” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): Medical examiner Jan “Dr. G” Garavaglia opens the files on astonishing forensic investigations. She demonstrates how the impact of these deaths extends far beyond the morgues of their investigators.
◊“Extreme Paranormal: New Mexico State Penitentiary” (9 p.m. on A&E): Paranormal investigators Shaun, Nathan and Jason explore an abandoned maximum security lockup where visitors claim the tortured souls of inmates, who were violently murdered in the worst prison riot in U.S. history, still linger. The investigators want to see if there is any truth behind the legend in this potentially volatile paranormal environment and go as far as recreating moments of this horrific event, shedding their own blood, to provoke the violent spirits to show themselves to the cameras.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Dan invites Olivia (Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) to meet Rufus and Lily, which leads to all sorts of problems for the new couple.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): The team takes on the case of a reckless police detective who has a family history of sudden heart failure that killed his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all at age 40. Jon Seda (“Close to Home”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): While Barney tries to convince Robin to become an American citizen, Ted and Marshall’s fabled road trip takes a wrong turn when Marshall invites Lily. Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) narrates the audio book played on Marshall and ted’s road trip.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The final two installments of this four-hour series focus on Mexican-Americans in California, Texas and elsewhere in the Southwest creating their own musical voice during the latter half of the 20th century, as well as the Latin pop explosion at the turn of the 21st century that introduced artists such as Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira to the English-language market.
◊“Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags” (8 p.m. on HBO): For generations, New York City’s Garment District was the lifeblood of the city.  But in recent years, with the increased globalization of clothing manufacturing, this once-thriving district has continued to shrink. This documentary tells the story of this vanishing industry through the voices of the people who experienced its highs and lows.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who has been on maternity leave since Aug. 7, returns. “The View” creator, executive producer and co-host Barbara Walters said, “We’ve missed Elisabeth both on and off the air. We’ve missed her opinions and her good humor. I am so happy she is coming back.”

TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2009
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): The Duggars take a trip to Oklahoma to see what life is like working on a farm.
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): It’s Halloween at the Beverly Hills Beach Club and Adrianna channels Marilyn Monroe to help her deal with the end of her relationship with Navid. Silver and Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210″) continue to have differing opinions about caring for Jackie (Ann Gillespie, , “Beverly Hills, 90210″).
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Contestants on today’s show are “Deal or No Deal” models Leyla Milani, Patricia Kara and Marisa Petroro.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the first of seven never-before-seen episodes, Harlan works with a former colleague to uncover a counterfeiting scheme and with a reluctant Las Vegas detective (Stephen Baldwin, “The Usual Suspects”) to stop a burglary ring. The detective drama starring Tim Daly premiered on ABC in 2005 but was canceled after five episodes.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Warning,” producer-director Michael Kirk sifts through the ashes of the economic meltdown in search of pivotal moments when things might have gone much differently.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (”Parenthood”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“Shark Tank” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, an entrepreneur who sells customized Bobble Heads wants an investment from the sharks to create an extension of his already lucrative business. But it becomes a battle of wills when the Sharks won’t bite unless he gives up a stake in his successful business.
◊“Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary showcases the remarkable influence the United States Football League (USFL) had on football history and looks at what forced the league out of business.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The girls put their interviewing skills to the test as they interview Jessica Lowndes from “90210″ on the set of “The Insider.” Kim Kardashian is this week’s guest judge.
◊“CNN Presents: Latino in America” (8 p.m. on CNN): Soledad O’Brien anchors this two-part documentary that examines the growing diversity of America, revealing insight into a changing nation on the eve of the U.S. census that is expected to officially confirm that Latino Americans are the largest minority group within the country.  It concludes Thursday.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team hunts a suspect who impregnates young women and has them give birth before murdering them.
Max Gail (”Barney Miller”), Hallee Hirsh (“ER”), Diana Scarwid (“Wonderfalls”) and Mae Whitman (“Acceptance”) guest star.
◊“Dodsworth” (7 p.m. on TCM): Walter Huston reprises his Broadway performance in this 1936 adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel. This is the firsy of four classic films picked by guest programmer Dennis Miller The other films Miller presents along with TCM host Robert Osborne are 1949’s “The Third Man” (9 p.m.), 1941’s “Suspicion” (11 p.m.) and 1948’s “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” (1 a.m.).
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Join the opening night festivities for conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s inaugural gala concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
◊“Living With Ed” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This series chronicles chronicles the lives of eco-activist/actor Ed Begley. Jr. and his frequently exasperated wife Rachelle Carson Begley. The third season will follow the couple as they embark on an unlikely trip to Vegas, a wedding anniversary getaway only Ed could organize and a major home renovation.
◊“Lock ‘N Load” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This new reality series offers viewers a fly-on-the-wall look at “The Shootist” gun store in Englewood, Colo., where expert gunslinger Josh T. Ryan interacts with customers. The hidden camera, revealed after the transaction is completed, insures a particularly candid and revealing take on why we buy guns.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance.  Eric McCormack (”Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.

THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2009
◊“American Chopper” (8 p.m. on TLC): Life at Orange County Choppers is forever changed now that Jr. and Mikey have been squeezed out of the business. Even with all the drama, the guys in the shop must forge ahead as they build a bike for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Host Alfonso Ribeiro welcomes three of his former castmates from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” to the show as contestants. Taking part in the challenge are James Avery, Tatyanna Ali and Karyn Parsons.
◊“The Jeff Dunham Show” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comic-ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his suitcase posse of comedic cohorts — including Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Jose Jalapeno on a Stick and Achmed the Dead Terrorist — to this new series featuring Dunham and puppets in performance before a live studio audience as well as interacting with people around Los Angeles.
◊“Nitro Circus” (8:30 on MTV): The cast put on the brakes long enough to spill their guts about all the jaw-dropping makes and laughter-inducing misfires from their risk-fuelled second season.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2 of the show, where fantasies come alive inside, the adventures have been bigger and the action wilder.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The lawless black gold boomtowns of early 20th century Oklahoma were a fertile field for the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan’s power faded with the dust bowl but never completely disappeared from Oklahoma. Secret groups survive and operate in towns all over the state to this day.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joan Fontaine was born on this day in 1917, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films — 1938’s “Blond Cheat” (10 a.m.), 1952’s “Ivanhoe” (11:15 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Bigamist” (1:15 p.m.).

FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox):Trainor’s newest hostess spreads some juicy rumors to help attract customers to Trainor’s, but when her gossip attracts Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”), Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) stops by the restaurant to set the record straight.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Sierra is forced to face her past as her connection to the Rossum Corporation leads to obsession and murder. Keith Carradine (“Complete Savages”) guest stars.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’s 100th episode, Allison investigates an infant’s kidnapping. But Joe worries when she becomes too attached to the little boy. Also, Bridgette and Joe are amazed when Marie plays the clarinet perfectly without one lesson while Bridgette struggles to learn to play.
◊“My Super Psycho Sweet 16″ (9 p.m. on MTV): This new original movie produced by MTV tells the story of Madison Penrose (Juliana Guill, “Friday the 13th”), a spoiled high school queen bee, and Skye Rotter (Lauren McKnight, “House of Fear”), the class outcast whose father committed a series of grisly murders. Madison’s plans for the ultimate birthday bash are ruined when Skye’s dad crashes the party.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): When recording artist Jordin Sparks (”American Idol”) comes aboard the S.S. Tipton for a concert, Zack, Cody and Marcus write a song for her to sing.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): A dad at odds with his teenage daughter brings his family to the brink on the Season 5 premiere. Supernanny Jo Frost pushes the parents to closely examine their marriage.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Doug’s father gives him and Ally a large sum of money, they struggle with the decision to keep it or give it back. Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) and Richard Lewis (“Anything But Love”) guest star.
◊“Trading the Globe” (7 p.m. on CNBC): This special will teach viewers how to think about emerging markets as a source of returns, how to access these markets and how to incorporate trading them into the formula for success in the coming years.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Betty fires on all cylinders to get a big scoop with Gucci’s new designer, Evan York (Hamish Linklater, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”). Meanwhile Daniel begins to attend a bereavement group, where he meets Natalie (Jamie-Lynn Sigler, “The Sopranos”), a sexy girl who takes him out for an interesting night on the town.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Matthew Bomer (”Chuck”) and Tim DeKay (”Carnivale”) wstar in the new drama about an unlikely partnership between a con artist and an FBI agent. In the series premiere, they hunt an elusive and vicious counterfeiter known as the “Dutchman.”

SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 2009
◊“24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” (9:15 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, two of boxing’s brightest stars, as they prepare for their Nov. 14 pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. Pacquiao seeks to continue his reign as the sport’s pound-for-pound king, while Cotto looks to prove that his ring skills are ideal for derailing the Pacquiao express.
◊“The Academy: Orange County Fire” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series will take viewers on a journey with 28 recruits of differing backgrounds as they endure 18 weeks of intense physical training for the Orange County Fire Authority in California.
◊“Always and Forever” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Rena Sofer (”24″) and Dean McDermott (”Tori and Dean”) star in this new original movie about high school sweethearts who reunite at their high school reunion. As they reminisce over old times, the memories and laughs lead to rekindled feelings from their abandoned relationship.
◊“America’s Cutest Dog” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special counts down the most cuddly and aww-inspiring canine moments caught on camera.
◊“Blackboards and Bullies: Are Your Kids Safe?” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the roots of violent incidents in America’s school systems and tangible ways for communities to improve child safety. Using case studies and interviews with leading experts, it shows the consequences of American adolescent violence and provides information to families on how to protect their children.
◊“Extreme Sweets” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Adam Gertler (“Will Work For Food”) goes in search of America’s most unusual sweets, including worm-covered caramel apples and a treat so spicy that he has to sign a waiver to eat it.
◊“Ghost Town” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Gil Gerard (“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”) and Billy Drago (“Charmed”) star in this film about a busload of college students that takes a wrong turn on a back road and ends up in a town inhabited by the ghosts of outlaws who return to earth every 13 years to refight a shoot-out.

–Penny TV

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Oct. 11-17, 2009

 
   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Oct. 11.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) on “Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime.
••Fred Armisen (”Saturday Night Live”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Corbin Bernsen (”Psych”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Deanne Bray (”Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Steven Culp (”JAG”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Ted Danson (”Damages”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Hector Elizondo (“Cane”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Peter Gallagher (”The O.C.”) on “Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime.
••Brad Garrett (”Til Death”) on ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Adam Goldberg (”Entourage”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Matt Hardy (“WWF SmackDown!”) on “Scare Tactics,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy.
••Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”) on “Arthur,” 3:30 p.m. Monday on OETA-13.
••Ernie Hudson (“Oz”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Kristen Johnson (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) on “Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) on “Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Jane Leeves (“Frasier”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Shelley Long (”Cheers”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Enrique Murciano (”Without a Trace”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Bebe Neuwirth (“Frasier”) on “Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Adina Porter (”True Blood” on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Parker Posey (“The Return of Jezebel James”) on “Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Giuliana Rancic (“Giuliana & Bill”) on ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) on “Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Cokie Roberts (“This Week”) on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” noon Monday on KOCB-34.
••Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) on “Yo Gabba Gabba,” noon Tuesday on Nick Jr.
••Christian Slater (”the forgotten”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Lee Tergesen (“Oz”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Kathleen Turner (“Marley & Me”) on “Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime.
••Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Chandra Wilson (”Grey’s Anatomy”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.           

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

Pictured above: Special guest star Paula Abdul reprises her role as Judge Paula Abdul in the season finale of “Drop Dead Diva.” (Lifetime Photo)

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TV Premieres and Finales airing Oct. 11-17, 2009

  
   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Oct. 11-17.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
BEGINNINGS
••“Girls Next Door,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on E! (sixth-season premiere).
••“Leave it to Lamas,” 10 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“The Newlywed Game,” 5 p.m. Monday on GSN (second-season premiere).
••“Catch 21,” 5:30 p.m. Monday on GSN (third-season premiere).
••“Little People, Big World,” 7 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth-season premiere).
••“Gone Too Far,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere.
••“Million Dollar Listing,” 10 p.m. Monday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“Frontline,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on OETA-13 (28th-season premiere).
••“Nature, Inc.,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••“Mary Queen of Shops,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Nip/Tuck,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on FX (sixth-season premiere).
••“30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Bartender Wars,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on Fine Living Network (series premiere).
••“Live at Gotham,” 10 p.m. Friday on Comedy Central (fourth-season premiere).
••“Head Games,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Science Channel (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (first-season finale).
••“Army Wives,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (third-season finale).
••“The Rachel Zoe Project,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (sixth-season finale).
••“Bully Beatdown,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season finale).
••“Nitro Circus,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season finale).
••“Pranked,” 9:30 p.m. Thursday on MTV (first-season finale).
••“Psych,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA Network (summer finale).

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

Pictured above:

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Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 11-17, 2009

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Oct. 11:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, OCT. 11, 2009
◊“Army Wives” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 3 finale, Michael and Claudia Joy prepare for Michael’s promotion ceremony although General Ludwig’s visit to Ft. Marshall could mean a big change that will significantly affect the lives of the entire tribe.
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): Jonathan falls for his latest client (Parker Posey, “The Return of Jezebel James”), the mother of a boy whose skateboard was stolen by a neighborhood bully. Bebe Neuwirth (“Frasier”) also guest stars.
◊“Breast Cancer Examined: An African American Perspective” (6 p.m. on TV One): This documentary probes into the areas of prevention, detection, treatment and empowerment for survivors, their families and friends. Celebrities interviewed include Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”), Diahann Carroll (“Dynasty”) and Alaina Reed Hall (“227”).
◊“Bridezillas” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Lacey Jordan insists on having an outdoor wedding ceremony during tornado season in Oklahoma and refuses to come up with a back-up plan. When the big day arrives, so does a major storm, but the bride still refuses to move the ceremony indoors.
◊“Californication” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Hank attends a university mixer hosted by Dean Koons and Felicia (Peter Gallagher, Embeth Davidtz) and consoles his jilted assistant, Jill, the best way he knows how. Charlie celebrates his first talent
signing and winds up in the arms of his new boss (Kathleen Turner).
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens the 2004 case of a teen who was wrongly sent to a juvenile detention center where he was killed before Valens could make good on his promise to get him released.  Steven Culp (”JAG”), Adina Porter (”True Blood”) and Cress Williams (”Prison Break”) guest star as employees of the faciloity where the victim was killed.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry rats out Christian Slater at Ted (Ted Danson) and Mary’s (Mary Steenburgen) anniversary party, but later gets his payback at a restaurant rendezvous with an old flame (Sherry Stringfield).
◊“Discovering Ardi” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special documents the find and study of a 4.4 million-year-old female partial skeleton nicknamed “Ardi.” The scientific investigation that began in the Ethiopian desert 17 years ago opens a new chapter on human evolution, revealing the first evolutionary steps our ancestors took after we diverged from a common ancestor we once shared with living chimpanzees. “Ardi’s” centerpiece skeleton, the other hominids she lived with, and the rocks, soils, plants and animals that made up her world were analyzed in laboratories around the globe.  The scientists have now published their findings in the prestigious journal Science. 
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In the season finale entitled “Grayson’s Anatomy,” everyone at the firm is up in arms when they anticipate Parker is going to make an announcement of the newest partner.  Jane finally decides to move on with her life, but when she receives an unexpected visit from a man from her past, she has to rethink all she knows about life and love. Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Ty Pennington and his team travel to Suffield, Conn., to rebuild the small, fire-damaged and deteriorating home of the musical Hill family, who give the gifts of song and inspiration to their community. Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) will be the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Girls Next Door” (9:30 p.m. on E!): A new season of this reality series takes viewers behind closed doors of the Playboy Mansion to reveal the world of Hugh Hefner through the eyes of the women who live, play and party with him.  Last season’s shocking break-ups send Hef on a search for love in all new places with current girlfriends identical twins Karissa and Kristina and Crystal Harris by his side.  
◊“Leave it to Lamas” (10 p.m. on E!): This new series follows the antics of “The Bachelor” winner Shayne Lamas as she works, plays and navigates life in Los Angeles with her close-knit family.  From her always meddling mother Michele Smith, to her famous father Lorenzo Lamas, to her opinionated siblings A.J. and Dakota, there’s never a shortage of fun, excitement or drama for this family.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Not all the melodrama is on the stage as Lewis and Hathaway sift through the motives of many suspects who may have murdered a young actor in a student production of “The Merchant of Venice” and subsequently strangled a campus critic in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Quality of Mercy.”
◊“Unbelievable Flying Objects” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Network): This special highlights some ideas in the history of aviation that didn’t quite work — from the vertical “Pogo” plane to the disastrous Gobin nicknamed the “Flying Egg” to the efforts to build a submarine that flies.

MONDAY, OCT. 12, 2009
◊“The 100 Mile Challenge” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This six-part series follows six families in Mission, British Columbia, as they take on the challenge to eat food grown and produced within a 100 mile radius for 100 days. As the kitchen cupboards are stripped bare, the families begin to panic as they soon discover it is not going to be as easy as it first appeared.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”) lends his voice as director Will Toffman in the 13th season premiere “No Acting Please.” When Fern lands a role in the Elwood City community production of “It Began With a Whistle,” she fears she’s not talented enough to be a star actress. But Will Toffman teaches Fern how to have fun, be herself and truly shine.
◊“Broke: The New American Dream” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film by director and author Michael Covel brings America’s 2007-09 economic crisis into the  forefront through interviews with Nobel Prize winners Dr. Harry Markowitz and Dr. Vernon Smith, Bill Miller of Legg Mason, David Harding of Winton Capital, and dozens of other Wall Street pros, real estate agents, professional poker players, reporters, athletes and ordinary citizens. The investigation breaks new ground in the field of behavioral finance and dispels the belief that government can solve personal money woes.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Season 3 of the game show hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro will feature a number of celebrity guest episodes, including appearances by Ribeiro’s former castmates on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and stars from “The Biggest Loser.”
◊“Gone Too Far” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new documentary series hosted and created by Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein chronicles young addicts between the ages of 20-25 in the grip of addiction who are offered a chance at recovery. Goldstein died Aug. 28 of an accidental drug overdose.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): A wealthy businessman brings his teenage son, who is suffering from inexplicable stomach pains, to Princeton Plainsboro and insists on having Dr. House handle the case. The father of the patient believes the karmic penalty of his financial success is that he is victim to personal tragedy, and that the answer to his son’s medical mystery lies in a reverse of fate rather than medical treatment. Lee Tergesen (“Oz”) guest stars.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jimmy Smits (“The West Wing”) narrates this survey of American music that was forged from strong Latin roots. The first hour, “Bridges,” traces the rise of Latin jazz and the surging popularity of the mambo and the cha-cha. The second hour, “The Salsa Revolution” explores how New York Latinos reinvented traditional Puerto Rican styles by adding soul and jazz elements to create salsa.
◊“Little People, Big World” (7 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 features more heart-warming moments and real-life challenges for the Roloff family, which is comprised of both little and average height people. Matt and Amy start to explore new territory as their oldest children are ready to start their own lives. They are left with different ideas on how to fill their time and have to figure out what will be their next chapter in life.
◊“Million Dollar Listing” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Season 3 of this series takes viewers inside the high-stakes, cutthroat world of real estate, where Josh Flagg, Madison Hildebrand and Chad Rogers struggle to ink their million dollar deals during this economic downturn.
◊“The Rachel Zoe Project” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 2 finale, Rachel is juggling a high fashion editorial photo shoot and the launch of the Rachel Zoe brand. But when Taylor threatens to walk out the door, the stress causes a relapse of Rachel’s vertigo.

TUESDAY, OCT. 13, 2009
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Season 28 premiere “Obama’s War,” correspondent Martin Smith travels across Afghanistan and Pakistan to see how the president’s new strategy is taking shape.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The documentary series kicks off a new season with “Herb and Dorothy,” a profile of Herb and Dorothy Vogel, a postal clerk and a librarian who built one of the most important contemporary art collections in history, proving that you “don’t have to be a Rockefeller” to collect art.
◊“The Newlywed Game” (5 p.m. on GSN): Today’s episode of the game show hosted by Carnie Wilson will feature George Takei (”Star Trek”) and his spouse Brad Altman, the first same-sex couple in the show’s history. Joining them are newlywed couples Christopher Knight (“The Brady Bunch”) and Adrianne Curry (“American’s Next Top Model”) and Damien Gurganius and Nicole Brewer (”The Biggest Loser: Couples 2″).
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): The three remaining chefs have to create one dish from various parts of the world in the Season 6 finale. At the end, one chef is crowned the winner and will receive a head chef position at Araxi Restaurant in Vancouver, Canada.
◊“NOVA: Hubble’s Amazing Rescue” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special takes viewers on board the telescope for spacewalks and in depth behind the scenes coverage in. The five days in space were just the tip of the iceberg in a 7-year effort by a cast of thousands (instructors, designers and engineers) who made it possible for seven astronauts to risk their lives in a dangerous mission to save the world’s “eye on the universe.”
◊“Planet Mechanics” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): Engineers Dick Strawbridge and Jem Stansfield tame a fuel-guzzling grain dryer by turning cow manure into natural gas. But storing a vast amount of this gas is dangerous.
◊“ReCreating America” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The first installment of this three-part documentary series explores the importance of creativity in education. The four schools visited are a preschool in Tulsa, Flower Mound Elementary School in Lawton, Piedmont Middle School and Santa Fe South High School.
◊“Starz Inside: Zombiemania” (9 p.m. on Starz): Richard Roeper (”Ebert & Roeper”) hosts this special that traces the evolution of the Zombie from its roots in African folklore and Haitian Voodoo to its current role as pop culture icon. It uncovers what it is about these flesh-eating ghouls that appeals to millions of horror enthusiasts.
◊“VH1 Hip Hop Honors 2009″ (8 p.m. on VH1): Tracy Morgan (”30 Rock”) hosts the sixth annual event that commemorates the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records, one of the most celebrated hip hop labels in the music industry. Performances and presenters include Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Kid Rock, Ludacris, Ashanti, Public Enemy, DMX, Redman, Method Man and Ja Rule.
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba” (noon on Nick Jr.): Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) teaches the Gabba gang the “Alligator Chomp” during the “Dancey Dance” segment.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14, 2009
◊“American Masters” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): “Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound” is the first comprehensive documentary to chronicle both the private life and the public career of the recording artist and political activist. Filmed during her 2008-09 world tour, it includes footage of Baez in concert, as well appearances by Bob Dylan, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt.
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): This week’s photo shoot has a martial arts-inspired theme that has the girls hanging by a wire. Supermodel Jessica White appears as a guest judge.
◊“Mary Queen of Shops” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Sassy and straight-talking retail guru Mary Portas gives the ultimate insider’s guide on how to get the most out of shops and shopping and troubleshoots her way around the United Kingdom on a mission to help turn around struggling fashion boutiques – one shop at a time.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire and Mitchell’s mother, Dede (Shelley Long, “Cheers”), drops in for a surprise visit and is determined to make amends with everyone she offended during what has been deemed “the incident” at Jay and Gloria’s wedding. Needless to say, no one is thrilled to see her and everything comes to a head when the whole family shows up to dinner at Claire’s house.
◊“Nature, Inc.” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series explores the question of “what if?” and the ripple effect of a world without coral reefs, honeybees and other key species.
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barb has her lawyer send over divorce papers, Christine hires an aggressive divorce attorney (Corbin Bernsen, “Psych”) who convinces her that Barb owes her alimony.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): In the Season 6 premiere, Sean and Christian struggle to keep McNamara/Troy successful in this declining economy. Meanwhile, Matt and Kimber have mixed results in their career paths, as Sean keeps himself distant from Teddy.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lillian Gish was born on this day in 1893, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1923’s “The White Sister” (6 a.m.), 1926’s “The Scarlet Letter” (10 a.m.) and 1946’s “Duel in the Sun” (4:30 p.m.).
◊“Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak” (6 p.m. on HBO): This documentary explores the life and works of celebrated children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, who does not believe in sugarcoating the truth when it comes to communicating with kids.

THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 4 premiere, Jack informs Liz, Tracy and Jenna that “TGS” needs to make immediate adjustments to become more relatable. Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a policeman kills another officer, the CSIs must look to the evidence to determine if the shooting was premeditated or an accident. Enrique Murciano (”Without a Trace”) guest stars.
◊“E! Investigates: Little Girl Gone” (8 p.m. p.m. on E!): This special tells the story of Riley Fox. 3, who was abused and strangled before her body was dumped in a river. In a shocking turn, Riley’s father, kevin, initially confessed to killing his daughter, but DNA evidence turned the case upside down.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): The Fringe team travels to Seattle after learning of a mysterious incident involving a man who attacked his boss because he believed he was an evil ram-horned creature. Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) guest stars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): The residents of Seattle Grace and Mercy West vie for surgeries and their careers as day one of the hospital merger begins. Meanwhile, Arizona stands by an enraged Callie when her father, Mr. Torres (Hector Elizondo, “Cane”), employs a priest to help convince her to date men.
◊“Los Premios MTV Latin America 2009″ (9 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): The eighth-annual event will feature artists performing in cities throughout Latin American and the United States. Scheduled performers include Alejandro Sanz, Cobra Starship, Fall Out Boy, Miranda!, Nelly Furtado, Paulina Rubio and Wisin & Yandel.
◊“Mall Cops: Mall of America” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special features an action-packed day in the life of the Mall of America as seen through the eyes of the men and women assigned to guard its stores and shoppers.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): The Circus heads home to Utah to wrap up Season 2. Erik and some skydiving friends strap on their wings and engage in a down and dirty sky-scraping dogfight. The Utah Jazz Bear and his mountain bike take a mean hit on a colossal ski ramp. And a base jump from a 600-foot bridge turns into a near-epic disaster for some of the Nitro cast.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie plays host to the Parks and Recreation department from Pawnee’s sister city, Boraqua, Venezuela, and is shocked at the cultural differences. Fred Armisen (”Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
◊“Pranked” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This finale showcases the best pranks ever caught on camera and posted online.  College Humor.com’s Streeter Seidell & Amir Blumenfeld provide commentary.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy”) brings a kidney transplant patient to Los Angeles, and Addison isn’t the only Oceanside Wellness doctor pleased to see her.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol” judge) will be seated alongside Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd during her second appearance on the show, but her first as a guest co-host. DioGuardi, who joined “American Idol” during the show’s eighth season, is a well-renowned singer/songwriter, record producer, music publisher and A&R executive.

FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 2009
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on Fine Living Network): In each episode of this new competition series, three bartenders face off in a series of challenges. Host Egypt Sherrod rallies these contestants as they challenge each other from seeing who can get the biggest tips to the most phone numbers to creating the most unusual and delicious cocktails.
◊“Live at Gotham” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): This series, back for Season 4, tapes at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City and features six up-and-coming comedians and one all-star host each episode. The premiere is hosted by Jo Koy and showcases the talent of Deb DiGiovanni, Cory Fernandez, Andy Ritchie, Taylor Williamson, Reese Waters and Wil Sylvince.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): To woo the lone holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip with the man’s troublesome son. Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) and Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) guest star.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a series of murders which they realize are being copied from scenes out of a soon-to-be-released movie.  Adam Goldberg (”Entourage”) guest stars.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): While working on a case involving an ice cream truck, Shawn stumbles onto something bigger and more deadly.  It is up to Gus, Lassiter, Henry and Juliet to find Shawn when they discover he’s been kidnapped.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Angela Lansbury was born on this day in 1925, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1944’s “Gaslight” (6 a.m.), 1946’s “The Harvey Girls” (10 a.m.) and 1966’s “Mister Buddwing” (5:15 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 4 premiere, which was delayed from last week, Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor. Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest star.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 2009
◊“2009 Really Awards” (9 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): Vivica A. Fox (”Curb Your Enthusiasm”) hosts the fourth annual event that celebrates the best in reality television.
“Head Games” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new trivia series hosted by Greg Proops (“True Jackson, VP”) and executive produced by Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) uses humor and fascinating science facts to challenge the intellect of contestants and viewers and test their knowledge about peculiar, unexpected information from the natural and scientific world. Contestants go brain-to-brain to determine who knows more funky facts and in the end, the winner walks away with some cold hard cash.
◊“Jon Reep: Metro Jethro” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Jon Reed, the redheaded redneck who won Season 5 of “Last Comic Standing,” brings his energy, non-stop characters and clever writing to the stage in this new stand-up special.
◊“Phineas and Ferb” (7 a.m. on Disney XD): Baljeet takes a break from his intense studying to go around town inside a giant bubble with Phineas and Ferb. And Isabella, Adyson and the rest of the Fireside Girls go on an adventure to obtain a patch for sap collecting. Jane Leeves (“Frasier”)and Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) guest star.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Gerard Butler (”300″) makes his SNL debut as host. Musical guest is Shakira, who boasts a string of chart-topping hits in both English and Spanish and sales of over 50 million records.
◊“Sorority Wars” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): This original movie follows Katie (Lucy Hale, “Privileged”), a college freshman who has been groomed from birth to continue her mother’s (Courtney Thorne-Smith, “According to Jim”) legacy with the Deltas.  An all out sorority war begins when Katie has doubts about the Deltas and pledges another house.

–Penny TV

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Oct. 4-10, 2009

  Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Oct. 4.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••Jason Alexander (”Seinfeld”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Jennifer Beals (“The L Word”) on “Lie to Me,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Bruce Boxleitner (“Young Blades”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Jarrod Bunch (former New York Giants player) on “the forgotten,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Tia Carrere (”Dancing With the Stars”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Sarah Carter (”Shark”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Kevin Chapman (”Brotherhood”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Snoop Dogg (“Down for Life”) on “Brothers,” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Julia-Louis Dreyfus (”Seinfeld”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Oded Fehr (“Sleeper Cell”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Willie Garson (”Sex and the City”) on “Imagination Movers,” 9 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Jasmine Guy, “A Different World”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”) on “Supernatural,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Michael Hogan (“Battlestar Galactica”) on “Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Lebron James (NBA player) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) on “Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••James Earl Jones (“Star Wars”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Wayne Knight (”Seinfeld”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Kris Kristofferson (“A Star is Born”) on “Handy Manny,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Disney.
••Swoosie Kurtz (“Pushing Daisies”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Cheryl Ladd (”Charlie’s Angels”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Virginia Madsen (“Smith”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••James Marsters (“Smallville”) on “Lie to Me,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Olivia Munn (”Attack of the Show”) on “Greek,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Leonard Nimoy (“Star Trek”) on “Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Donny Osmond (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Handy Manny,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Disney.
••Martha Plimpton (“Running on Empty”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Stephen Rea (“V for Vendetta”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) on “Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Michael Richards (”Seinfeld”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Cokie Roberts (“This Week”) on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” noon Monday on KOCB-34.
••Jerry Seinfeld (”Seinfeld”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Ashley Tisdale (”High School Musical”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) on “FlashForward,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Cynthia Watros (”Lost”)on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

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