TV Premieres and Finales airing April 25-May 1, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of April 25.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••”Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries,” 7 p.m. Sunday on HDNet (series premiere).
••”America the Story of Us,” 8 p.m. Sunday on History (series premiere).
••”Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere).
••”Girl Meets Gown,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WE (series premiere).
••”River Monsters,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••”Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern,” 9 p.m. Monday on Travel Channel (fifth-season premiere).
••”Food Party,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (second-season premiere).
••”Dinner With the Band,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (series premiere).
••”The Hills,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (seventh-season premiere).
••”The City,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (second-season premiere).
••”Sunset Daze,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WE (series premiere).
••”Happy Town,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••”When I Was 17,” 10 a.m. Saturday on MTV (series premiere).
••”10 on Top,” 10 a.m. Saturday on MTV (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” 8 p.m. Monday on Logo (second-season finale).
••”Runaway Squad,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (series finale).
••”The Life & Times of Tim,” 8:30 p.m. Friday on HBO (second-season finale).
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC (first-season finale).
••“Bill Moyers Journal,” 7 p.m. Friday on OETA-13 (series finale).
••”I Shouldn’t Be Alive,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (third-season finale).
Pictured above: Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking of England presents a lecture titled, “Out of a Black Hole” at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, Monday, April 5, 2010. His new series “Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking” premieres April 25 on Discovery. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Top 55 TV Programs for April 25-May 1, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 25:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2010
••2010 Nadia Comaneci International Invitational (8 p.m. on KAUT-43): Olympic gymnastics champ Nadia Comaneci hosts this event along with her husband, Olympic champion and for University of Oklahoma gymnast Bart Conner. The competition taped February at the Cox Arena in Oklahoma City features future gymnastics stars from around the country, as well as athletes from the top clubs in Romania, the Ukraine, Australia, Peru, Canada, Israel, Venezuela and Mexico.
••”The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): When teams face two roadblocks in a single leg for the first time on the series, two teams discover just how costly cab rides can be.
••”America the Story of Us” (8 p.m. on History): Liev Schreiber (“Taking Woodstock”) narrates this new 12-hour series that chronicles the story of how America was invented. It covers 400 years of American history, looking at the moments where Americans harnessed technology to advance human progress.
••”Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): More than one member of the Walker family suspects she might be pregnant, Nora offers to take her aging mother in (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) when it’s discovered she has dementia, and Luc gets an exciting delivery in the mail.
••”Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): Donald Trump mixes up the teams and assigns them to create an original celebrity workout for 24 Hour Fitness and bring in donations.
••”Deadly Honeymoon” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Two young Denver newlyweds, Lindsey (Summer Glau, “Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles”) and Trevor Forrest (Chris Carmack, “Drop Dead Diva”) embark on their honeymoon cruise. What begins as a dream vacation devolves into a night of wild partying, infidelity and strange encounters with a group of passengers.
••”The Emeril Lagasse Show” (7 p.m. on ION): Chef Emeril Lagasse and special guest Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) enjoy a Hawaiian-themed celebration on this “Staycation” episode.
••”Girl Meets Gown” (9 p.m. on WE): This new series reveals what it truly takes for a bride-to-be to find the perfect gown that will compliment her style and make her shine on the most important day of her life. The creative and hard-working team at Stardust Celebrations in Dallas, one of the largest bridal boutiques in America, help the brides in their quest.
••”Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In this four-part series, viewers will gain access to the mind of professor Stephen Hawking, who is physically confined but mentally free to explore the mysteries of the universe.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): The Marines, including the newly christened “Sledgehammer,” continue the battle of Peleliu against an enemy determined to fight to the last man. Devastated by the loss of a revered leader, and witnessing unimaginable barbarity on both sides, Sledge veers to the very edge of moral collapse.
••”Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries” (7 p.m. on HDNet): This eight-part series follows Ray Johnston, a cancer survivor and former Dallas Maverick point guard, as he and his band travel across the country trying to make it in the music business. The true focus and backdrop is the uplifting, behind-the-scenes story of the band’s leader, Ray Johnston, and his heroic battle with leukemia.
••”The Real Story: The Exorcist” (9 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Perhaps the scariest part of thye 1973 movie “The Exorcist” is that it’s not a work of complete fiction. This is the story of the ritual that took place in 1949 to rid a boy of demons, culled from witness accounts and written records. The events that inspired the film are detailed along with interviews of top neuroscientists who try to determine whether the forces at work were supernatural or psychological.
••”River Monsters” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Extreme angler and biologist Jeremy Wade goes on a worldwide mission to solve freshwater fish mysteries. Season 2 will take him to such locations as the Congo, Thailand, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Alaska and Florida to try to capture some amazing creatures and tell their tales.
••”TV Land Awards ’10″ (8 p.m. on TV Land): Tim Allen (“Home Improvement”) hosts the eighth annual event dedicated to reuniting and celebrating some of the most memorable TV performers of the past. Among the schedule honorees are the casts of “Glee,” “Charlie’s Angels” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
••”When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story” (8 p.m. on CBS): Spanning more than 30 years, this Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation is based on the true story of the enduring but troubled love between Lois Wilson (Winona Ryder, “Mr. Deeds”), co-founder of Al-Anon, and her alcoholic husband Bill Wilson (Barry Pepper, “Saving Private Ryan”), co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Bianca plans to take first place in Padua High’s talent show. That is, until Chastity steals her song. Josie Loren and Cassie Scerno from “Make It or Break It” guest star.
••“24” (8 p.m. on Fox): With only six hours left, the clock races toward the series finale as President Allison Taylor faces impossible choices and much to the dismay of CTU, she enlists a private security firm to complete a sensitive task led by Mark Bledsoe (D.B. Sweeney, “Eight Men Out”). Meanwhile, Jack calls in a favor to his old friend Rick Vickers (Michael Madsen, (“Reservoir Dogs”) before he embarks upon a crucial mission of his own.
••”American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The documentary “My Lai” examines one of the darkest chapters of the Vietnam War: the 1968 My Lai massacre, its cover-up and the soldiers who broke rank to halt the attrocities.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 2 from Phoenix include a 1982 bronze maquette by renowned sculptor Henry Moore and an heirloom amethyst jewelry collection.
••”Beyond Conviction” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the courageous journey of three individuals as they face their assailants and hope to find peace and salvation.
••”The Big Bang Theory” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): A visit from Leonard’s mother (Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife”) delights Sheldon and horrifies Leonard.
••”Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Andrew Zimmern’s appetite for the most unique foods is never satisfied. In the Season 5 premiere, he travels to Thailand to sample whole-roasted bamboo rat, cow bile and dung beetles, among other local delicacies.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): When Lily’s ex-husband, Dr. William van der Woodsen (Billy Baldwin, “Dirty Sexy Money”), shows up unexpectedly in Manhattan, Serena finally gets the reunion she has so desperately wanted with her father, but the circumstances turn out to be far from ideal.
••“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team take on the case of a woman Julia (Sarah Wayne Callies, “Prison Break”), who is in an open marriage and becomes ill during a date with her on-the-side boyfriend. Meanwhile, House tests Wilson’s relationship with Sam (Cynthia Watros, “Lost”).
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Barney freaks out when Marshall bequeaths a “slap bet” slap to Ted and Robin. Meanwhile, Lily’s estranged father (Chris Elliott, “Everybody Loves Raymond”) shows up for Thanksgiving.
••”Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): When a mother of 10 adopted special needs children is found dead, the detectives uncover an affair and a reality TV show offer. Jim Gaffigan (“My Boys”) guest stars.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Audrey forces Jeff to give up his hockey tickets and go to her boss’s party with her instead, he spends the night trying to avoid learning the score of the game. At the game, meanwhile, Russell is mortified when Timmy roots against the home team.
••”Runaway Squad” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the series finale, New York City provate investigator Joe Mazzilli continues to hunt down runaways and reunite them with their families.
TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010
••”9 By Design” (9 p.m. on Bravo): With the birth of their seventh child, Bob and Cortney Novogratz invite friends and family to their home to celebrate baby Major’s christening that will include a live performance from their good friend, singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega.
••”30 for 30″ (7 p.m. on ESPN): The documentary “Run Ricky Run” features footage of NFL running back Ricky Williams recorded during his time away from football. He became a media punching bag when he left the sport in 2004, but he has since redeemed himself as a father and a teammate.
••“90210” (7 p.m. on Fox): The gang is preparing for the SAT’s when Silver disagrees with Teddy’s decision to skip college to focus on his tennis career and things grow even more tense when she meets his movie star father, Spence (Ryan O’Neal, “Miss Match”).
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The remaining seven contestants head to Dallas to inspire Texans to get healthy and join them as they run a 5K at the Cotton Bowl. Sesaon 8 fan favorite Abby Rike makes a special appearans and invites Jillian to speak at her old high school.
••”The City” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2, Whitney Port, Roxy Olin, Olivia Palermo and Erin Kaplan continue to traverse the New York City fashion industry and their relationships with each other.
••”Dinner With the Band” (9:30 p.m. on IFC): Hosted by New York City chef Sam Mason, this new cooking show combines culinary delights, musical performances and conversations with select acclaimed indie music artists. Artists scheduled to appear include Rufus Wainwright, The Devil Makes Three, The Mountain Goats, Andrew WK, My Brightest Diamond, Murder City Devils, Lightspeed Champion, Theophilus London and Vega.
••”Explorer” (9 p.m. on National Geographic): The new episode “Fatal Insomnia” looks at an extremely rare disease passed down through generations. The primary symptom of FFI — fatal familial insomnia — is sleeplessness, but with a tragic twist: Victims are dead within months.
••”Food Party” (9 p.m. on IFC): Brooklyn fringe artist Thu Tran created and hosts this series, which returns for a second season., Shot on location in Brooklyn in a handmade, technicolor cardboard kitchen, Thu interacts with a cavalcade of puppets, humans, baked goods and vegetables, as the gang embarks on journeys to bizarre and unexpected lands.
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment looks at the vaccine war, in which scientific medicine and the public health establishment are battling a coalition of paents, celebrities, politicians and activists over wther vaccines are a great achievement or a scourge on health.
••”Future Food” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): The staff at MOTO restaurant in Chicago let a bunch of youngsters come up with menu ideas, which include eyeballs, deep fried deer head with tree bark utensils and dirty socks with rocks — all made out of vegetables.
••”Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Kurt sets his dad (Mike O’Malley, “Yes, Dear”) up with an unexpected partner, and Sue demands that the Cheerios go on a crazy diet in preparation for a big interview with “Splits” magazine. Meanwhile, April Rhodes (Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”) returns to save Will and the glee club.
••”The Hills” (9 p.m. on MTV): In the seventh and final season, fans can expect to see Audrina Patridge dating singer Ryan Cabrera and Kristin Cavallari dealing with rumors of drug abuse. But will former star Lauren Conrad return for the big goodbye? Maybe.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs and Special Agent T.C. Fornell (Joe Spano, “NYPD Blue”) try to uncover the truth when a polygraph specialist’s night job takes a dangerous turn that leads to murder.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): NCIS investigates the murder of a Navy officer entangled in the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour as the team is joined at Hetty’s request by LAPD liaison Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen, “Fired Up!”).
••”Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Mind Over Money” delves into arguments about the world of finance and explores behavioral economics, which aims to incorporate human psychology into finance.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a grief-stricken Hotchner takes a leave of absence from the Behavioral Analysis Unit to ponder his future career, Rossi and the team must regroup to solve a home invasion case. Rena Sofer (“Blind Justice”) guest stars.
••”Desperate Landscapes” (9 p.m. on DIY): Host and licensed contractor Jason Cameron visits the Las Vegas home of magician Penn Jillette (“Dancing With the Stars”) for a landscape renovation. It took Jason Cameron and his team 16 hours of sweat to turn Jillette’s 10,000 square foot front yard into an oasis complete with artificial turf, desert plants and more.
••”Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) reprises his role as the melancholy Dane in this television adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed 2008 stage production of “Hamlet.” The presentation also stars Patrick Stewart (X-Men”) as King Claudius, the murderer of Hamlet’s father.
••”Happy Town” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): This new drama focuses on the residents of Haplin, Minn., also known as “Happy Town.” They have enjoyed an uneasy peace for the past five years, but that is about to change. Still haunted by a number of unsolved kidnappings, Haplin now faces a disturbing new crime that brings all of its unresolved fears to the surface.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): When a man is accused of murdering his daughters, detective Stabler’s former partner (Sharon Stone, “Bobby”) takes the case.
••“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): Zoe enlists the Lightman Group to investigate a star college football player accused of statutory rape. Jennifer Beals (“The L Word”) and James Marsters (“Angel”) guest star.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Matthew and Richard try to evict an elderly lady (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) from the apartment they want to rent.
••”Sunset Daze” (9 p.m. on WE): This new reality series set in a retirement community in Surprise, Ariz., reveals seniors reconnecting with their youth and having the best time of their lives.
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010
••“Ask a Lawyer 2010” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This annual community service provided by the Oklahoma Bar Association gives the public the opportunity to call in during the live broadcast and speak with attorneys on various areas of the law.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): A legendary comic from the good old days of Las Vegas is set to reunite with his partner on stage for one night only, until one half of the famous duo is found dead. Tim Conway (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as legendary comic Knuckles Pratt and Jennifer Tilly (“Out of Practice”) guest stars as his wife.
••”Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): While Walter deals with some upsetting news, he tells Olivia’s niece a fairy tale that includes musical performances by Olivia and Angent Broyles.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Matthew Broderick (“The Producers”), Sarah Silverman (“The Sarah Silverman Program”) and Martin Short (“Damages”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a media mogul is murdered, Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate cult leader Bret Stiles (Malcolm McDowell, “Entourage”), who may have had an axe to grind following the publication of a critical story about his group.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Pam and Jim work on their first sales pitch together to Donna (Amy Pietz, “Aliens in America”), the manager of a local restaurant. But Michael keeps misreading the signals she’s putting out.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones sets out to prove that the allegations of child abuse against Michael Jackson were as responsible for his early death as sleep-inducing drugs.
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010
••“Bill Moyers Journal” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In his final program, host Bill Moyers reports on people working for a chance and has a “World of Ideas” conversation with a leading public thinker.
••”I Shouldn’t Be Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): A former special forces man travelled to the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania to go on a solo hiking expedition. The trip takes a turn for th4e worse when he is swept off a ledge by an avalanche.
••”The Life & Times of Tim” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 2 finale, Tim loses his job when the Chairman of Omnicorp flies in from the United Kingdom.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are The Killers, Chairlift and Florence and The Machine.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): After a neighbor (Jonathan Silverman, “In Case of Emergency”) is murdered, Allison’s fears for her own family prompt her to install a high-tech talking burglar alarm, which she later suspects may be communicating with Marie. Also, Ariel meets a ghost (Greg Germann, “Ally McBeal”) who could help her get into the college of her choice.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): In order to show the importance of their facility, Dr. Proctor is forced to give a speech proving just how vital he and his team are in the minutes following a major accident. Shari Belafonte (“Hotel”) guest stars as Kimberly Davis, a hospital donor and Mike Farrell (“M*A*S*H,” “Providence”) guest stars as Dr. Carl Willis, a hospital administrator.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Director Spike Lee (“Do the Right Thing”) learns about his ancestors in the Season 1 finale. The one question that he wanted answered — “Who owned my family?” — takes him to Texas, where he comes face to face with an unlikely relative.
SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010
••”10 on Top” (10 a.m. on MTV): Lenay Dunn hosts this new show that countdowns the Top 10 most texted and talked about young celebs of the week. Viewers will get the very latest on their favorite superstar entertainers, what deals they landed, whose hearts they broke and whose star is shining brightest.
••”Accused at 17″ (8 p.m. on Lifetime): When 17-year-old Bianca’s two best friends find out that Bianca’s boyfriend cheated on her with a classmate, all three play a prank on the girl that goes horribly wrong. Nicole Gale Anderson (“Jonas”) and Cynthia Gibb (“Fame”) star.
••“Brothers” (11:30 p.m. on Fox): Mike and Chill hire their cousin Kenny (Snoop Dogg, “Soul Plane”), a shady lawyer who specializes in debt and fraud, to recover Mike’s laundered assets. But when Kenny is only able to locate funds donated to a children’s charity, Mike wrestles with a tough decision.
••”Dov Davidoff: The Filthy Operation” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Dov Davidoff’s urban flavor, Jersey accent and ADD comedic style brings out the funny in such issues as prejudice in politics and school lunches, gay rights, the relationship between transvestites and transformers and why men don’t stop for directions.
••”The Mentalist” (8 p.m. on CBS): While Jane and the team examine a crime scene where a baseball scout was 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”).
••”When I Was 17″ (10 a.m. on MTV): In this enlightening new series, each episode will focus on the lives of three uniquely different celebrities. It will explore their family life, friendships, romantic relationships, part-time jobs and the things they did, or didn’t do, to get them to where they are today.
••”Made Presents: Kiss & Tell: The Do’s and Don’ts of Dating” (11 a.m. on MTV): The experts of “Kiss & Tell” teach an insecure high school boy how to become a more confident and romantically successful individual. Viewers will also hear firsthand from teenage girls about what they look for in a boyfriend.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing April 18-24, 2010
Friday is when The
Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of April 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.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••”The Emeril Lagasse Show,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ION (series premiere).
••”On the Case With Paula Zahn,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Investigation Discovery (second-season premiere).
••”The Newlywed Game,” 5 p.m. Monday on GSN (third-season premiere).
••”Baggage,” 5:30 p.m. Monday on GSN (series premiere).
••”Romantically Challenged,” 8:32 p.m. Monday on ABC (series premiere).
••”Dhani Tackles the Globe,” 10 p.m. Monday on Travel Channel (second-season premiere).
••”The Lazy Environmentalist,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (second-season premiere).
••“Cities on Speed,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (series premiere).
••”Deadliest Warrior,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (second-season premiere).
••“Say Yes to the Dress,” 8 p.m. Friday on TLC (fifth-season premiere).
••”Party Down,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz (second-season premiere).
••”Gravity,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on Starz (series premiere).
••”Spice & Easy,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••”Accidentally on Purpose,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (first-season finale).
••”The Locator,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WEtv (fourth-season finale).
••”Project Runway,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (seventh-season finale).
••”Models of the Runway,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (second-season finale).
••“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“The Wanda Sykes Show,” 10 p.m. Saturday on Fox (first-season finale).
Pictured above: ROMANTICALLY CHALLENGED – ABC’s “Romantically Challenged” stars Alyssa Milano as Rebecca Thomas. (ABC/BOB D’AMICO)
Top 55 TV Programs for April 18-24, 2010
Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 18:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010
••The 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (7 p.m. on CBS): Reba McEntire, who was raised in Chockie, will host the Academy of Country Music’s awards celebration being broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Nominated for six awards are Carrie Underwood from Checotah and Miranda Lambert, who lives in Tishomingo.
••”Beauty & the Briefcase” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In this adaptation of Daniella Brodsky’s book “Diary of a Working Girl,” Hilary Duff (“Lizzie McGuire”) stars as a New York fashion writer who sells a cover story to Cosmopolitan. Her assignment: Go undercover to find love in the business world.
••”Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): Both teams must make over the images of up-and-coming country singers Emily West and Luke Bryan in time for a People Country magazine interview, a photo shoot and live concert. Trace Adkins (“Lifted”) guest stars.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Determined to derail son Preston’s marriage to Irina, Lynette discovers the truth about her future daughter-in-law. John Barrowman (“Torchwood”) guest stars.
••”The Emeril Lagasse Show” (7 p.m. on ION, KOPX-62): This new series launches with a housewarming party-themed premiere featuring special guest Martha Stewart (“The Martha Stewart Show”). Singer Michelle Williams (formerly of Destiny’s Child) will add to the excitement by performing “Roxie” from “Chicago.” Each episode, Chef Lagasse will shaire his world, his friends and his passion for food with the studio and home audience.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Xzibit (“The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call — New Orleans”) joins the design team in Connecticut 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.
••”Life” (7 p.m. on Discovery): The new installment “Plants” includes a look at the Boston ivy and cats-claw creeper that use other plants as a ladder to get to the light. It is followed by “Primates” that spotlights the Hamadryas baboons and Japanese macaques, and “Making of Life” that showcases the efforts by the LIFE filmmaking team to bring the breathtaking images of intimate animal and plant behavior to the screen.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Adapted from Andrea Levy’s best-selling novel, the new two-part story “Small Island” chronicles the moving saga of two couples — one Jamaican (Naomie Harris, David Oyelowo), one English (Ruth Wilson, Benedict Cumberbatch) — whose lives intertwine in both friendship and tragic misunderstanding in post-World War II Britain.
••”On the Case With Paula Zahn” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): While shooting the second season, host Paula Zahn traveled the country to talk directly to people touched by fascinating cases, resulting in interviews that reveal the raw emotions these tragedies have left behind. The premiere episode focuses on the case of Brooke Wilberger, a Brigham Young University student who mysteriously vanished from a parking lot in Corvallis, Ore., in 2004.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): The Marines attempt to capture the Peleliu airfield against a fortified enemy, despite 115-degree heat and a lack of clean drinking water.
••”Riverworld” (6 p.m. on Syfy): When a suicide bomber kills a war zone reporter and his fiance, they awaken separated in mysterious world where everyone who has ever lived on Earth seems to have been “reborn” along the banks of a seemingly endless river. The reporter joins forces with a 13th century female samurai warrior American novelist Sam ‘Mark Twain’ Clemens to find his fiance and search for the source of the river.
••”South Sea Pearls” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This is an in-depth look at the industry of pearl farming in Northern Australia and the well-guarded technique of cultivating the only precious jewel made by nature.
MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010
••”American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode “Earth Days,” filmmaker Robert Stone traces the origins of the modern environmental movement through the eyes of nine Americans who propelled it.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 1 from Phoenix include a circa 1905 advertising display for waterproof baby pants, a 1797 Chippendale marriage chest and a collection of original Charles Schulz “Peanuts” artwork.
••“The Agronomist” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary features footage and interviews with Jean Dominique, a noted Haitian journalist who ran Haiti’s first independent radio station and spoke out against issues of corruption and negligence.
••”Baggage” (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Jerry Springer (“Jerry Springer”) hosts this new dating game show that reveals what people are willing to put up with in the name of finding love. In each episode, one dater chooses among three contestants who reveal quirky, embarrasing and shocking “baggage” that is typically kept under wraps to impress a first date.
••”Dhani Tackles the Globe” (10 p.m. on Travel Channel): NFL linebacker Dhani Jones continues his global sports odyssey to participate in beloved national pastimes of cultures around the world. In the season premiere, he trains with Olympic and professional cyclists to conquer Monte Grappe in Italy.
••”Explorer” (8 p.m. on National Geographic): Lisa Ling (“The View”) hosts this two-hour event that looks back on the quarter-century history of the “Explorer” series’ tradition of investigating unique stories around the world.
••“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and the team take on the case of Sir William, a “knight” in a closed-off community of men and women living according to the ideals of the High Renaissance. Meanwhile, Wilson starts over with an ex (Cynthia Watros, “Lost”).
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted attends his mother’s (Cristine Rose, ‘‘Heroes”) wedding, he is disturbed by her overly affectionate relationship with her fiance.
••”The McVeigh Tapes: Confessions of an American Terrorist” (8 p.m. on MSNBC): Fifteen years after the Oklahoma City bombing, Rachel Maddow (“The Rachel Maddow Show”) brings viewers the inside story on the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil prior to the events of Sept. 11. Drawing from 45 hours of never-before-released interview audiotapes recorded during McVeigh’s prison stay, viewers will hear his confession in his own words.
••”The Newlywed Game” (5 p.m. on GSN): Carnie Wilson returns as host for Season 3 of the game show, which will feature a diverse line-up of newlyweds from all backgrounds, including one same-sex couple.
••”Romantically Challenged” (8:32 p.m. on ABC): This new comedy follows four friends trying to find love and happiness while navigating their way through today’s tricky world of dating. Alyssa Milano (“Charmed”) plays Rebecca, who is recently divorced after 15 years of marriage. Rounding out the group are Rebecca’s sister, Lisa (Kelly Stables, “W.I.T.C.H.”) Rebecca’s best friend Perry (Kyle Bornheimer, “Worst Week”) and Perry’s roommate Shawn (Josh Lawson, “Chandon Pictures”).
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (7 p.m. on ESPN): The new documentary “Silly Little Game” examines the history of fantasy sports from their little-known origins to a $4 billion industry with more than 30 million participants.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Contestants learn that the kitchen will be closed for a day and they’ll have to eat their meals from a buffet table offering both high and low calorie choices. Whoever eats the most calories will win a coveted prize — the only vote at elimination. Then it’s off to a circuit beach workout with pro volleyball player Gabrielle Reece.
••”Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): This documentary takes a rare inside look at Burma’s 2007 uprising through the cameras of underground Burmese video journalists. They recorded historic events on handycams at great risk to themselves and smuggled the footage out of the country for broadcast worldwide via satellite.
••”Carbon Hunters” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes viewers inside the controversial market-driven solution to pollution to meet a new breed of entrepreneurs cashing in on the “green rush.” From the Chicago Climate Exchange to Hollywood to “Garbage Mountain” in the Philippines, carbon trading is attracting investors and critics.
••“Cities on Speed” (7:30 p.m. on Sundance): This four-part documentary series journeys inside four cities — Cairo, Mumbai, Shanghai and and Bogota —to discover how these mega-cities are dealing with the challenges of modernity.
••”Deadliest Warrior” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This non-scripted series that pits history’s greatest warriors against one another to determine who reigns supreme returns for a second season. The premiere episode pits SWAT vs. GSG-9. Upcoming showdowns include Attila the Hun vs. Alexander the Great, Jesse James Gang vs. Al Capone Gang and Comanche vs. Mongol.
••“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Mr. Schuester is concerned that the girls in the glee club are being disrespected and bullied by the guys. Looking to Madonna and her musical message of equality as inspiration, he challenges the entire team to choose Madonna songs as their next assignment. Idina Menzel (“Wicked”) and Jonathan Groff (“One Life to Live”) guest star.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Tensions are high as Peter’s appeal trial begins and Alicia defends a wealthy client in civil court whose innocence she doubts, even after he’s found not guilty in criminal court of murdering his wife. Mamie Gummer (“John Adams”) guest stars as bumbling prosecutor Nancy Crozier.
••”Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Jamie Lee Curtis (“You Again”) narrates “DIRT! The Movie” that delves into the history of the lowly substance and shows how its mistreatment can result in natural disasters.
••”The Lazy Environmentalist” (7 p.m. on Sundance): In Season 2, eco-entrepreneur Josh Dorfman attempts to bring individuals from all walks of life — from fashion designers to exterminators to surfers and day care center operators — guidance towards a green lifestyle. Dorfman works to prove that eco-friendly living can be achieved with little sacrifice, and even make their professional and private lives easier.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the enlisted son of retired Colonel-turned-preacher is found dead, the team believes he may be the victim of a hate crime. Meanwhile, Gibbs’ father comes for a holiday visit. Joe Regalbuto (“Murphy Brown”) and Ralph Waite (“The Waltons”) guest star.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): The Braverman family is on high alert when Amber’s ex-boyfriend Damien (Eddy Rioseco, “Related”) arrives from Fresno. Meanwhile, Zeek takes Adam on a road trip for investment advice and some father-son bonding.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010
••”Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): After faking labor pains to get Zack out of a speeding ticket, Billie goes into labor — for real. Unfortunately, things take a turn when Zack gets busted by the officer they had initially lied to and is hauled off to the police station in the Season 1 finale.
••”American Idol: Idol Gives Back” (7 p.m. on Fox): Carrie Underwood, Checotah native and Season 4 winner, is scheduled to take part in this year’s event. So is David Cook, Tulsa resident and “American Idol” Season 7 winner. The event helps raises money for charities such as the Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America and Malaria No More. The prevois two specials raised more than $140 million.
••“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): Guest judge Whitney Port (“The City”) drops by the loft to surprise the girls before they put their personalities to the test during a runway challenge.
••”Cougar Town” (9 p.m. on ABC): Laurie needs a co-signer to buy her first condo and finds her less than stellar, absentee mother (Beverly D’Angelo, “Entourage”) no help at all. Meanwhile, Bobby is mugged by a woman and Travis comes to Barb’s aid after her latest cosmetic surgery procedure.
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): In a rebroadcast of the show’s 100th episode, the Behavioral Analysis Unit races to help Hotch find the Reaper (C. Thomas Howell, “Southland”) and save his family. D.B. Sweeney also guest stars.
••“Fly Girls” (8 p.m. on CW): Tasha, Louise and Nikole spend an evening at a club dancing to a performance by Snoop Dogg. Tasha has a disagreement with a passenger onboard a flight and accuses Farrah of reporting her to management.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Mary and Marshall try to help FBI agent Mike Faber convince his informant to enter Witsec. Despite their best efforts, the informant refuses their protection and gets himself into a heap of trouble. Steven Weber (“Happy Town”) guest stars.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): After Eva Banks (Rosie Perez, “Lipstick Jungle”) makes a shocking discovery about her son’s behavior at school, she takes him to the doctor, only to find out that he has been the victim of sexual abuse.
••”The Locator” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Season 4 concludes with another compelling story, as professional people finder Troy Dunn continues his 20-year personal mission to help reunite and reconnect loved ones. Dunn grew up in Enid.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Following the donut shop shooting, Veronica experiences a panic attack and continues to address her PTSD in therapy sessions with Dr. Cabe (Mary Stuart Masterson, “Kate Brasher”).
••”The Middle” (7 p.m. on ABC): Frankie and Mike are excited to discover that Axl has found the perfect girlfriend, Morgan (Alexa Vega, “Ruby & the Rockits”), and that he’s in love. But just as they start to get used to his new, sunny outlook on life, Morgan does the unthinkable and breaks up with him, leaving Axl completely heartbroken.
••”Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire feels slightly inadequate when her old friend, Valerie (Minnie Driver, “The Riches”), visits and is nothing like Claire remembered. Meanwhile Jay has an unsettling locker room moment when he and Cameron go play racquetball.
••”P.O.V.” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmmaker Robert Kenner’s Oscar-nominated ‘‘Food, Inc.” documentary reveals how sick animals, environmental degradation, tainted and unhealthy food, obesity and other health issues are just the more obvious problems with a mechanized and centralized system of food production.
••”Through a Dog’s Eyes” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary chronicles the work of Canine Assistants, a family-run nonprofit organization devoted to training assistance dogs for people with disabilities. It follows the life-changing journey of recipients as they go through the heartwarming and sometimes difficult process of receiving and being matched with a service dog.
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2010
••”30 Rock” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Liz Lemon starts making an effort to date by attending singles events with Jenna Maroney, and Jack Donaghy feels forced to choose between childhood love, Nancy Donovan (Julianne Moore, “Eagle Eye”), and news anchor Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks, “Scrubs”).
••”Amazing Plants” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): See how predatory plants use rapdors and enticing beautiful flowers to trap prey, while others shrivel up or emit odors to dend off enemies. Experts investigate these traits and detail how human intervention affects these living organisms.
••”Beyond the Barrel: The Race to Fuel the Future” (7 p.m. on CNBC): This special will introduce viewers to more than a dozen potential game changing innovations to power our planet and showcase the bottled promises ready to be unleashed from the Middle East, South America, Asia and here at home. It will also take a critical look at why we are still years away from putting these ideas into practice.
••“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): When human remains are discovered in the belly of a shark, Brennan and Booth are brought in to identify the missing person. Rena Sofer (“Coupling”) and Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) guest star.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a student is discovered murdered at Lindsey’s school, the investigation takes a sharp turn when the CSIs uncover an unlikely connection between the boy’s death and atrocities of the pas. Michael Kenneth Williams (“The Wire”) guest stars as the school janitor.
••”Future Earth: Addicted to Power” (10 p.m. on MSNBC): Sam Waterston (“Law & Order”) hosts this special that examines the troubling issues that will confront us as we continue the struggle to power our world. It focuses on the most common fuel sources: oil, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, and the electrical grid, drawing upon the expertise of several prominent energy professionals, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Adam Carolla (“The Man Show”), Gloria Estefan (“Music From the Heart”) and Doland Trump (“Celebrity Apprentice”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Patrick Jane’s sneaky conduct causes the case of a confessed hitman to be tossed out of court, his annoyed CBI team must start the investigation over from scratch. Aunjanue Ellis (“True Blood”) returns as the CBI’s new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower.
••”SpongeBob SquarePants” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the environmentally conscius episode “SpongeBob’s Last Stand,” SpongeBob and Patrick learn the “Shelly Super Highway” is coming to Bikini Bottom – right through Jellyfish Fields. Devastated by the news, they launch a campaign to stop the construction.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones talks with several people about the Menendez brothers, who murdered their wealthy parents. Authorities say it was for money. The brothers say it was out of fear, and some believe that the brothers say may be true.
••“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): At the Founder’s Day Gala, Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Caroline (Candice Accola) compete for the title of “Miss Mystic Falls” against other girls from town, including Amber Bradley (Spencer Locke, “Resident Evil”).
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010
••”Garage Mahal” (8:30 p.m. on DIY Network): Host Bill Goldberg and the DIY experts team up with Wired Magazine to create an eco-friendly garage at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. A workbench tricked out with energy efficient tools, a recycling center views can build at home and a system t o convert cooking oil into fuel are just a few of the projects going into the space.
••”Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda lends a hand to Eli’s patient who thinks he’s being watched by his sister’s ghost. Meanwhile, Melinda and Jim are concerned when Aiden talks about his shiny friends that aren’t ghosts but something else. Chad Lowe (“Life Goes On”) and Danny Weaver (“Greek”) guest star.
••”Gravity” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): This new series follows the sometimes comic, sometimes tragic exploits of a group from an eccentric out-patient program of suicide survivors. Krysten Ritter (“Breaking Bad”) plays a young woman who cannot connect to anyone until she dies, and Ivan Sergei plays a widower who becomes an Internet celebrity when his suicide attempt goes comically awry.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are The Enemy, Antony and the Johnsons and Paloma Faith.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): The police hunt a serial killer targeting innocent women, but when the prime suspect dies, his ghost contacts Allison to clear his name, contact his girlfriend and maybe help the investigation. Pablo Schreiber (“The Wire”) guest stars.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): As the team works to save the lives of a couple injured in a balcony collapse, they are shocked when the wife refuses treatment. Louise Lombard (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) guest stars as Karen, a trauma patient.
••”Party Down” (9 p.m. on Starz): The show about catering team stuck serving others while still determined to make it to the top returns for Season 2. Megan Mullally (‘‘Will & Grace”) joins the cast as Lydia Dunfree, a middle-aged refugee from a lousy marriage who moves to Hollywood in hopes that her 13 year-old daughter will make it big.
••“Say Yes to the Dress” (8 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 opens with Kristi, a pageant queen who’s determined that on her wedding day all eyes will be on her, and bride Stacey, a self-proclaimed “Goth girl” who returns to the salon.
••“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Lois and Clark each attempt to thwart the delivery of the photo and run into Maxwell Lord (Gil Bellows, “Ally McBeal”), a wealthy tycoon and Checkmate operative, who is trying to learn The Blur’s identity to eliminate him.
••”Smoke Jumpers” (9 p.m. on CMT): This special offers an inside look at the dangerous profession of smokejumpers. With hand tools, explosives and the ability to think fast on their feet, they work to contain the fire they are set to extinguish. But first, they must get there by parachuting into often unchartered territory and treacherous forests and mountains.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Susan Sarandon (“You Don’t Know Jack”) traces her Grandmother Anita’s roots to Italy where she tracks down the actual village in Tuscany that was home to Anita’s father.
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2010
••The 24th Genesis Awards (11 a.m. on Animal Planet): This event, which took place March 20 in Beverly Hills, honors the news and entertainment media for their coverage of animal protection issues. Melanie Griffith made a heartfelt presentation of The Genesis Lifetime Achievement Award to her mother, Tippi Hedren, for her tireless advocacy on behalf of captive big cats.
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): A beloved former major league baseball player is found dead after a goodwill trip to Cuba. The investigation, which includes running into Joe Torre (guest starring as himself), leads the detectives into New York’s Cuban community to solve the murder.
••“Cops” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Officers from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office stop two men for a routine traffic violation. But when they bust them for possession, the suspects start running.
••”Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installments of the locally-produced series spotlights Tulsa’s Garden Deva and Jump School in Frederick
••”Mothman” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Jewel Staite (“Firefly”) stars in this new original movie about a legendary West Virginia monster that returns to exact revenge on five childhood friends who covered up an accidental killing.
••”Spice & Easy” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In this new cooking series, Denver-based spice shop owner Janet Johnston takes classic recipes and demonstrates how to reinvent them with a creative use of spices.
••“The Wanda Sykes Show” (10 p.m. on Fox): Wanda Sykes’ personal take on everything from news, politics, sports and pop culture will be examined on the Season 1 finale. Guests include Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) and Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe).
••”The Wild Girl” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Movie Channel): In the Depression-era Sierra Madre Badlands, an unlikely team, including a struggling photographer (Brian Austin Green), a socialite (Matthew Edison) and an anthropology student (Kathleen Munroe), embarks on a rescue mission but are quickly put in harm’s way when they stumble upon an Apache girl abandoned in the wilderness. It is based on the 2005 novel “The Wild Girl: The Notebooks of Ned Giles, 1932″ written by Jim Fergus.
••”You Don’t Know Jack” (8 p.m. on HBO): Oscar and Emmy winner Al Pacino (‘‘Scent of a Woman,” ‘‘Angels in America”) stars as Jack Kevorkian, aka “Dr. Death,” who built his infamous “Mercy Machine” and started a media frenzy with his epic legal battles defending a patient’s right to die.
–Penny TV
Oklahoma ‘Locator’ begins fourth season on WEtv
When “The Locator” premiered on WEtv in September 2008, Troy Dunn had no idea how his show would do.
But the Enid High School graduate knew that he would continue to help reunite loved ones and recconnect lives regardless of whether TV cameras were on or not.
“Until my last breath, I will try to reunite someone,” he said before the show premiered. “If TV choses to tag along, that’s up to viewers.”
Two years later, Dunn is still going strong — and so is his show. Season 4 will begin at 9 p.m. Wednesday (March 3) with an hour-long premiere. Seven half-hour episodes will follow Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. on WEtv (channel 128 on Dish Network and 260 on DirecTV).
The show captures exactly what happens in the process of bringing families and friends together after years of being apart.
Dunn has been bringing people back together long before the cameras started rolling, though. In 20-plus years, he has located more than 40,000 men, women and children.
But thanks to the show, he has also been able to inspire countless others to find important people in their lives through WEtv’s online community at www.WEtv.com/thelocator/.
The online site also features tips from Dunn on how to track down a loved one, casting information, reunion updates and a search contest.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Feb. 28-March 6, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Feb. 28.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••”The Marriage Ref,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on NBC (sneak preview, series premieres 9 p.m. Thursday).
••”Rules of Engagement,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS (fourth-season premiere).
••”The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” 10:35 p.m. Monday on NBC (former host returns).
••”Madman of the Sea,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••”Parenthood,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (series premiere).
••”Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (second-season premiere).
••”Players,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (series premiere).
••”Web Soup,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on G4 (second-season premiere).
••”The Locator,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WEtv (fourth-season premiere).
••”Instant Recall,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••”The Real Housewives of New York City,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC (series premiere).
••”Destination Design,” 12:30 p.m. Saturday on HGTV (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••”The Bachelor,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (14h-season finale).
••”Nip/Tuck,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on FX (series finale).
••”Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA Network (third-season finale).
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (fifth-season finale).
Pictured above: From right to Left: Bianca Kajlich, Oliver Hudson, David Spade, Patrick Warburton, Megyn Price and Adhir Kalyan star on RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, on Monday, March 1 on CBS. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS
Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 28-March 6, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, FEB. 28, 2010
••”Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Barb shocks Nicki with news about Joey. Bill looks for clues about J.J. (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) in Kansas.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team decides to kill time at a work acquaintance’s wedding by looking into wther his bride (Rachel Miner, “Californication”) was responsible for killing her former fiance (Noah Bean, “Damages”), who died mere hours after he canceled their nuptials. Sean Maguire (“The Class”) guest stars as the former fiance’s best friend.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Celia comes down with the chicken pox, Gaby must keep her distance. Having never had the chicken pox herself, Gaby stays with Tuc and Bob and is reminded of what it’s like to be single again. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) guest stars.
••”Disease Detectives” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special follows a real-life “Dr. House” and his team of experts inside the Undiagnosed Disease Program at the National Institutes for Health as they attempt to solve real medical mysteries and help desperate patients in just five days.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Country singer Trace Adkins (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) helps the team rebuild the home of a wounded police officer in Lancaster, Texas, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team.
••”Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): When Gladys, the new and slightly bumbling Tooth Fairy, has trouble doing her job without waking up the kids, the Movers help show her how to get the job done. Cheri Oteri (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
••”The Marriage Ref” (9:30 p.m. on NBC): Jerry Seinfeld (“Seinfeld”), Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) weigh in on a special sneak preview of this new comedy panel series about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. Tom Papa (“Come to Papa”) is the “Ref” on the show, which premieres Thursday.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This adaptation of John Buchan’s World War I adventure novel “The 39 Steps” follows the fortunes of Richard Hannay (Rupert Penry-Jones), a mining engineer who gets caught up in a conspiracy after a British spy is found dead in his apartment.
••”The Providence Effect” (11 a.m. on TV One): This documentary film that tells the story of a school on Chicago’s impoverished West Side that has been sending 100 percent of its high school graduates to four-year colleges for 30 years.
••”Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dave Rife, the owner of White Castle, goes undercover in his own company where he accidentally ruins thousands of hamburger buns after mishandling equipment in one of his bakeries. He also discovers low morale among his employees at a local factory.
••”Weather Proof” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Co-hosts Stephanie Abrams and Newton Wimer test everything from windows and mobile homes to see if they hold up against a powerful hurricane simulator – a jet engine. And see how to escape from a stranded vehicle with only seconds to act as dangerous waters rise in a flash flood.
MONDAY, MARCH 1
••”The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 14 finale, Jake must choose between Tenley and Vienna. Throughout the episode, Tom Bergeron will announce the new cast of “Dancing With the Stars” that premieres March 22.
••”Bewitched” (4 p.m. on TV Land): The Emmy award-winning series that aired on ABC from 1964-1972 joins the network’s weekday lineup. The series follows Samantha Stevens (Elizabeth Montgomery), a stay-at-home wife with a secret. After marrying her husband, ad-exec Darrin Stevens (Dick York, then played by Dick Sargent), she reveals to him that she is a witch.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Filmmaker and musician Rob Zombie directs this new episode in which the CSI team discovers that a listening device has been covertly planted at a crime scene. Guest stars include Zombie’s wife Sheri Moon (“Halloween”), Malcolm McDowell (“Heroes”) and William Forsythe (“John Doe”).
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Professor Hilgendorf and his family has moved in next door to the Kappa Tau house, and their presence is putting a damper on the KTs’ festivities. Sam Page (“Mad Men”) guest stars.
••”House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Wilson puts himself on the case when an old friend (Joshua Malina, “The West Wing”) and former patient experiences paralysis in his right arm. House suspects the man’s cancer has returned, but Wilson works overtime to find an alternative diagnosis.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang tries to convince Ted that he is being strung along by Tiffany (Carrie Underwood, “American Idol”), they reflect about relationships where each of them has been in the same situation.
••“Inside the Actors Studio” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton welcomes award-winning director, producer, editor and writer James Cameron to the stage. Cameron’s career trajectory has skyrocketed this small-town Canadian boy to one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He has directed two of the highest-grossing films to date — “Titanic” and “Avatar.”
••”NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): The Pro Bowl honors the NFL’s best players. For the first time, the event is moving to the site of the Super Bowl, with the game being played the Sunday before the NFL championship. But whether this first Pro Bowl of its kind will go off without a hitch remains to be seen.
••”Paralyzed and Pregnant with Twins” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special presents the story of Claudia, a woman who was paralyzed from the armpits down following a car accident that killed her infant son. Claudia hoped that one day she could have more children and, despite doctors’ skepticism, her dream came true.
••”The Real Housewives Top 25: The Early Years” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This special features the 25 favorite moments from the first seasons of New York, Atlanta and New Jersey and the first two seasons of Orange County, as chosen by Andy Cohen (Bravo’s SVP of Original Programming and Development and host of “Watch What Happens”).
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 4 premiere, Jeff takes Russell’s advice and reciprocates a female colleague’s flirting. Adhir Kalyan, who plays Russell’s assistant Timmy, joins the cast as a series regular.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Ricgard and James immerse themselves in the world of classic cars to find out if they really are more fun than modern machinery. Also, Jeremy interviews AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson in the studio.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie runs off to Vegas and returns with a new wife, but she’s not Chelsea. Stacy Keach (“Titus” ) and John Amos (“Men In Trees”) guest star.
TUESDAY, MARCH 2
••”20/20: Before They Were Famous” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): This special Oscars-themed edition features stories of how some nominees got their big breaks. George Clooney’s father, Nick Clooney, takes ABC cameras inside the actor’s childhood home in Kentucky. Sandra Bullock’s childhood friend shares stories and photos of the first-time nominee as a high school cheerleader in Virginia. Actor Beau Bridges, the brother of five-time Oscar nominee Jeff Bridges, talks about his brother’s early years. And Mo’Nique’s husband, Sidney Hicks, talks about the early years with the talented comedienne turned actress.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): After viewers learn who was eliminated after the Olympic challenge cliffhanger (Cheryl George from Ardmore or Darrell Hough from Michigan), host Alison Sweeney tells all the contestants they are switching to blue vs. black teams.
••”Frontline” (midnight on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Suicide Tourist” explores the topic of whether we have the right to end our lives in the last stages of painful terminal illness or if life becomes unbearable for other reasons. It includes access to Dignitas, the Swiss nonprofit group that helps people with terminal illnesses to end their lives.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Peter gets acclimated to life at home and works on a comeback strategy with his political team, including Eli Gold (Alan Cumming, “The L Word”), Alicia and Diane wrestle with spousal privilege laws in a murder case that hinges on their ability to get a wife to testify against her husband. Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) guest stars as Kurt McVeigh, a rugged ballistics expert who Diane finds herself attracted to.
••”Madman of the Sea” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new six-part series follows the adventures of Australian fisherman Matt Watson, He is dubbed the “fish whisperer” by his peers for his ability to lure the biggest, fastest, baddest sea creatures that lurk beneath the surface. He feeds off adrenaline and travels the uncharted seas looking for that next great catch, and he’s willing to do anything to find it.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new dramedy views contemporary family life as reflected by the large and colorful Braverman clan. In the series premiere, Sarah (Lauren Graham, ‘‘Gilmore Girls”), a single mom, returns to Berkeley, Calif., to be closer to her family, while brother Adam (Peter Krause) learns that his son (Max Burkholder) has Asperger’s syndrome.
••”Players” (9:30 p.m. on SPIKE): This new series follows two brothers with conflicting personalities trying to run a successful sports bar. Matt Walsh plays Bruce Fitzgerald, a free-spirited, fun-loving guy who bets on games and dates the cocktail waitresses. Ian Robert plays Ken, his older, uptight brother who tries to keep the focus on turning a profit while avoiding lawsuits and health code violations.
••”Postpartum Nightmares” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special spotlights women who have had a range of postpartum experiences — from depressions to severe anxiety and event psychosis.Viewers will see how these devastating cpnditions can create turmoil during what is supposed to be one of life’s happiest moments — the addition of a new baby to the family.
••”Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Nate and Sammy investigate a freeway shooting and wind up threatening the integrity of a major undercover operation. And Chickie finds herself in the middle of a mini-riot after her new partner shoots at a 13-year-old boy.
••”White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When the daughter of a man from his past goes missing Neal volunteers to help find her. Little does anyone realize the kidnapper is an old enemy of Neal’s who is leading him right into a trap. Diahann Carroll (“Julia”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Laurie needs a co-signer to buy her first condo and finds her less than stellar, absentee mother (Beverly D’Angelo, “Entourage”) no help at all. Meanwhile, Bobby is mugged by a woman and Travis comes to Barb’s aid after her latest cosmetic surgery procedure.
••”Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. demonstrates how to pick up the search for ancestors where the historical record leaves off, linking the distinctive family histories of such guests as Elizabeth Alexander, Meryl Streep, Mike Nichols, Yo-Yo Ma and Eva Longoria Parker to the broader history of ‘‘the family of man.”
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary’s plan to help Tom land a spot on the wrestling team backfires, he challenges the coach, a former high school nemesis, to a wrestling rematch in an attempt to settle their score. David Koechner (“Anchorman”) guest stars as Soup, Gary’s high school nemesis.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a woman from a growing lesbian community is found dead, detectives Benson and Stabler must work with a local activist (Kathy Griffin, “My Life on the D-List”) to uncover the truth behind the woman’s death.
••”The Locator” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Enid native Troy Dunn returns for a fourth season of granting wishes to people wanting to reconnect with loved ones. In the one-hour season premiere, a daughter searches for the father who disappeared from her life and a young woman searches for the sister she didn’t know existed.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Following the donut shop shooting, Veronica takes off unexpectedly, leaving everyone to worry about her whereabouts. Back at Mercy, the victims of a bus bombing inundate the emergency room. Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser”) guest stars.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “Miss Congeniality”), Manny’s infamously unreliable dad. Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Christine and Barb find their business unexpectedly profitable, Christine must decide whether to spend her share of the newfound money on herself or follow Barb’s lead and give it to charity. Ed Begley Jr. (“Gary Unmarried”) and Ashley Williams (“Side Order of Life”) guest star.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Oscar Special” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Oprah Winfrey brings together some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to interview each other. The revealing and intimate interviews include Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”); “Avatar” director James Cameron and three stars from the film; Ben Affleck (“Good Will Hunting”) and Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”); and “Fatal Attraction” stars Glenn Close and Michael Douglas.
••”Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): After Lassiter takes a page out of Shawn’s book and claims a shark attack victim was actually murdered, the guys must then scramble to find the fish and prove him right. Jeri Ryan (“Leverage”) guest stars.
••”Radical Parenting” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores what some might consider to be extreme forms of parenting — from potty training a newborn baby to breast-feeding beyond the age of two. Find out how they came to these parenting decisions and hear from experts about the pros and cons of their choices.
••”Web Soup” (7 p.m. on G4): The series returns for a second season that captures the “best of the worst” moments on the web and brings viewers a no-holds-barred look at the week’s Internet mayhem. In each episode, comedian and host Chris Hardwick presents a selection of crashes, bloopers, accidents and more, along with his wry commentary, signature sketches and side-splitting reenactments.
THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2010
••”Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Michael’s worst fears come to life when a world-class terrorist is unleased on Miami, threatening to detonate a bomb if Michael doesn’t give him what he wants. With the FBI hot on his trail, Michael will need every advantage and every friend on his side to defeat this madman in the Season 3 finale.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a band member of Rascal Flatts is electrocuted by his own guitar during a concert, the CSI team investigates if it was a case of foul play. Actor Will Patton (“24″) guest stars as CIA Associate Director Craig Halliday.
••”Instant Recall” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): This new game show first tests players’ patience, then tests their memory as unsuspecting participants are caught on hidden camera in unbelievable situations—and are then quizzed on the experience for cash and prizes. Wink Martindale (“Tic-Tac-Dough”) and Angela Daun (“Entourage”) host the competition and award the prizes.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Tina Fey (“30 Rock”) and Eva Longoria-Parker (“Desperate Housewives”) are on the celebrity panel for the premiere episode of the series that features couples facing off to settle their marital tiffs. The rotating panel of “experts” will offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): In this special hour-long episode, Pam’s contractions begin but she and Jim are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Meanwhile the rest of the office tries to distract Pam from the pain with food and entertainment. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Things get too close for comfort when Addison, Pete and Sam must come together on a complicated case involving a dad-to-be who comes down with tuberculosis and threatens the future of his new family. Meanwhile, with Violet still gone on her Costa Rican escape, Sheldon takes over helping one of her patients, Natasha (Clea Duvall, “Carnivale”), to get over her crippling fear of flying.
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 ends with a bombshell, as the tension between Tamra Barney and her husband, Simon, reaches the breaking point at the final party of the summer. Meanwhile, Vicki Gunvalson and her husband, Donn, revel in the newfound strength of their marriage and Lynne Curtin tries to reign in her teenage daughters wild behavior at the party.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 premiere, the ladies are spending their remaining summer days together in the Hamptons, but friendships and alliances have shifted significantly. Ramona, Jill, LuAnn and Alex enjoy a sun-filled day on a yacht that Ramona has commissioned for the day – until nasty comments and tears break loose. Jill shares that she is angry with Bethenny and that the two haven’t spoken in months.
••”Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In this two-hour documentary, Tom Brokaw chronicles the impact 78 million baby boomers have had on American society over the past six decades and explores the challenges they face as they begin to approach the age of retirement.
••”Too Many Babies?” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): One year ago, the Jones family thought just one more baby would make life complete. Instead, they got the surprise of their lives — quintuplets. This special focuses on how they’re learning the ropes all over again in a life that includes their four-year-old daughter and five newborn babies.
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010
••The 8th Annual Visual Effects Society Awards (9 p.m. on ReelzChannel): Director James Cameron (“Avatar”) will be honored with the VES Lifetime Achievement Award at thyis year’s event that celebrates a monumental year in movie visual effects.
••The 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards (10 p.m. on IFC): Eddie Izzard (“The Riches”) serves as Master of Ceremonies for the event that recognizes the achievements of independent filmmakers.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Seal, Imelda May and Sugarland.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Allison is mugged, she decides to take charge by enrolling in self-defense classes. Also, Devalos investigates a teenager’s rape and an undercover cop’s possible murder. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) and Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”) guest star.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Rob Morrow (Don) directed this episode in which the team investigates the deaths of two men who were part of a group of friends that had been suxually abused as children by one of their teachers. Moira kelly (“One Tree Hill”) and Alan Ruck (“Spin City”) guest star.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new series, celebrities embark on personal journeys of self-discovery as each searches for the roots to his family tree, uncovering stories of love, betrayal, intrigue, heroism and tragedy. The premiere episode spotlights the search of Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”).
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010
••”America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m. on Fox): After nearly 22 years of tracking down the nation’s most notorious criminals, the series will celebrate its milestone 1000th episode with a special broadcast. Hosted by John Walsh, the series has helped capture 1100 criminals, including 17 on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, and reunited 43 missing children with their families, which is Walsh’s proudest achievement.
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle is wrestling with how to repair his relationship with Beckett while struggling to finish his soon-to-be-published bestseller, “Heat Wave.” Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves.
••”CNN Presents: Scream Bloody Murder” (7 p.m. on CNN): CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour reports from the killing fields of the world where genocide has raged. She takes viewers back in time to witness again the places now synonymous with horror: Auschwitz, Cambodia, Darfur, Iraq, Rwanda and Bosnia. In recognition that her journalism in 1992 to 1995 brought much-needed attention to the human rights crisis in Bosnia during the war there, Amanpour was named an Honorary Citizen by the City of Sarajevo for her coverage.
••”Destination Design” (12:30 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, designer Taniya Nayak helps homeowners who love to travel but seem to miss the boat on good design. In each episode, she sends homeowners on all-expense-paid luxury vacations to discover colors, textures, images and moments that will inspire them. Upon their return, Taniya will formulate a design plan based on the homeowners’ photos, experiences and inspirational souvenirs.
••“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): Activities to enjoy during spring break include a walk on the wild side at the zoo, indoor swimming in Kingfisher and a spin around an Oklahoma City raceway.
••”Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals” (7 p.m. on HBO): This special traces the history of the competition between Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics. Their rivalry began 30 years ago when they led their midwest universities to the 1979 NCAA Championship game, through a decade of dominance, when the two won three NBA MVP awards apiece and a combined eight NBA titles.
••”Pirate for the Sea” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This is a biographical film of Captain Paul Watson, the youngest founding member of Greenpeace Canada. He organized early campaigns protesting the killing of seals, whales and dolphins.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Financial advisor Suze Orman celebrates eight years on CNBC and heads into Season 9 with a new mission to help America become healthier and wealthier.
••”Uncorked” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When business as usual takes a vacation, Johnny (Julie Benz, “Dexter”) must find something, or someone, else to occupy her time. JoBeth Williams (“In the Land of Women”), Elliott Gould (“Ocean’s Eleven”) and Scott Elrod (“Men in Trees”) also star in this romantic comedy about finding a passion that isn’t a paycheck.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Jan. 10-16, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Jan. 10.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••“Ax Men,” 8 p.m. Sunday on History (third-season premiere).
••“Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (fourth-season premiere).
••“Chuck,” 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC (third-season premiere).
••“Madhouse,” 9 p.m. Sunday on History (series premiere).
••“The Daily Rundown,” 8 a.m. Monday on MSNBC (series premiere).
••“Disappeared,” 9 p.m. Monday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Fantasia For Real,” 9 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Let’s Talk About Pep,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“American Idol,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (ninth-season premiere).
••“Blue Mountain State,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (series premiere).
••“I (Almost) Got Away With It,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Little Miss Perfect,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on WEtv (second-season premiere).
••“Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (series added).
••“High School Reunion,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TV Land (sixth-season premiere).
••“Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (second season resumes).
••“Solving History With Olly Steeds,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Tosh.0,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (second-season premiere).
••“Carnie Wilson: Unstapled,” 7 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••“Hidden Agenda,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••“The First 48,” 8 p.m. Thursday on A&E (10th-season premiere).
••“Archer,” 9 p.m. Thursday on FX (series premiere).
••“Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force,” 9 p.m. Thursday on A&E (second-season premiere).
••“Project Runway,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (seventh-season premiere).
••“Models of the Runway,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (second-season premiere).
••“I Shouldn’t Be Alive,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (third-season premiere).
••“I’m In the Band,” 8 p.m. Friday on Disney (sneak peek, series premieres Jan. 18 on Disney XD)
••“The Singing Bee,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (second-season premiere).
••“Pit Boss,” 9 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“The Bureau,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (first-season finale).
••“Sanctuary,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (third-season finale).
Pictured above: SANCTUARY — Pictured: (l-r) Agam Darshi as Kate Freelander, Robin Dunne as Dr. Will Zimmerman, Amanda Tapping as Dr. Helen Magnus, Ryan Robbins as Henry — Syfy Photo: Pete Tangen
Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 10-16, 2010
Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 10:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 10, 2010
◊“Ax Men” (8 p.m. on History): In Season 3, logger teams from Oregon, Washington, Montana, Louisiana and Florida tower higher atop the trees and go deeper into the seas, risking life and limb in pursuit of the timber from which America is built.
◊“Battlestar Galactica: The Plan” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The origin of the Cylons “plan” to annihilate the human race is finally revealed in full in this two-hour movie directed by and starring Edward James Olmos.
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Having struggled to mend rifts that threatened the very existence of his family, Bill Henrickson now faces a host of new personal and professional challenges in Season 4 that opens with the launch of a Mormon-friendly casino. Series regulars include Bill Paxton as Bill Henrickson and Jeanne Tripplehorn (born in Tulsa), Chloe Sevigny and Ginnifer Goodwin as his three wives.
◊“Brace For Impact” (8 p.m. on TLC): Harrison Ford (“Crossing Over”) narrates this documentary film about the remarkable landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River by Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III. It features interviews with Captain Sullenberger, passengers, air traffic controllers and first responders who assisted the landing.
◊“Chuck” (8 p.m. on NBC): Chuck Bartowski continues as the Buy More electronics store computer geek, who unwittingly becomes the government’s most vital secret agent after a data download into his brain. Season 3 begins with back-to-back episodes and moves to its regular day and time at 7 p.m. Monday.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers David Cook (“American Idol”) and Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) travel with thye team to Bunker Hill, Ind., to rebuild the home of the Cowan family. Daughter Kori, 12, is raising money to fight cancer in honor of her best friend, while she herself is battling a congenital blood disease.
◊“Madhouse” (9 p.m. on History): This new series spotlights Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile racetrack in Winston-Salem, N.C. that is one of the nation’s shortest NASCAR racetracks. Family racing rivalries go back generations, and ramming, spin-outs, high-speed crashes and fistfights are what fans have come to expect on Saturday night at the Madhouse.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Judi Dench returns to her critically acclaimed role as Matty in “Return to Cranford,” a two-part sequel to last season’s miniseries. Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis and Julia McKenzie also rejoin the cast in the story of everyday life in a small Cheshire market town. The miniseries is based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment “Hummingbird: Magic in the Air” features high-definition and high-speed footage of hummingbirds in the wild. They are the tiniest of birds, yet they qualify as some of the toughest and most energetic creatures on the planet.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Emmy-winning animated comedy series reaches its milestone 450th episode with “Once Upon a Time in Springfield,” a half-hour that finds Milhouse and Bart trying to help Krusty regain his popularity after he is forced to restructure his TV show to include a female sidekick, Princess Penelope (guest voice talent Anne Hathaway, “Bride Wars”).
◊“The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice!” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) hosts this hourlong documentary about the animated series’ 20th anniversary, which includes an examination of how the show has become a global phenomenon and caps a yearlong worldwide celebration of ‘‘The Simpsons.” Spurlock’s travels take him to the home of the show’s biggest fan, and later, he chats with the cast, writers and guest stars about the show’s place in pop culture.
MONDAY, JAN. 11, 2010
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jesse L. Martin (“Law & Order”) narrates “Sam Cooke: Crossing Over,” which profiles the singer who brought the spirit of the black church to popular music. Cooke was the first black artist to reach No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment from Raleigh, N.C. includes apprasals of a circa 1800 eastern North Carolina bottle case on stand, an 1812 needlework sampler and an 1985 Andrew Wyeth watercolor.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon and Koothrappali attend a university mixer, Leonard is upset to discover that Penny believes in psychics. Danica McKellar (“The Wonder Years”) guest stars as Abby, the object of Raj’s attraction.
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): When Castle and Beckett are called to a wedding to investigate the death of a bridesmaid, Castle is stunned to discover that the soon-to-be bride is his old flame, Kyra (Alyssa Milano, “Charmed”). Complications ensue as Kyra, caught off-guard by Castle’s reappearance in her life, wonders if she’s marrying the right guy.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck must use his relationship with Awesome to protect a visiting dictator, Premier Goya (Armand Assante, “American Gangster”), who is the target of an assassination.
◊“The Daily Rundown” (8 a.m. on MSNBC): NBC News White House Correspondents Chuck Todd and Savannah Guthrie will anchor this new show that will focus on the top political stories of the day.
◊“The Detroit Auto Show: All Access” 7 p.m. on CNBC): Award winning automotive reporter, Phil Lebeau, will show viewers the car and truck of the year and look ahead at what models will be hot and not in 2010. Also featured will be new gadgets and gizmos inside cars.
◊“Disappeared” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series follows the unpredictable twists of missing person cases, tracking investigations aimed at solving how and why people simply vanish.
◊“Fantasia For Real” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino as she juggles her career and single-motherhood while devoting her energy into recording her highly anticipated third album.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Peter’s introduction of Emma (Deanne Bray, “Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye”) to his mother brings forth visions of a very grim future. Meanwhile, Hiro and Ando go to extreme lengths to save Dr. Suresh.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When drug dealer Mickey (Ethan Embry, “Brotherhood”) mysteriously collapses while negotiating a sale, his partner-in-crime, Eddie (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”), accompanies him to Princeton Plainsboro for treatment. But with a major deal pending, Mickey is not forthcoming with the necessary personal information the team needs to treat him.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ted gets one step closer to meeting his future wife on the show’s 100th episode. The cast perform the musical number “Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit.” Guest stars include Rachel Bilson (“The O.C.”), Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) and Stacy Keibler (“Dancing With the Stars”).
◊“Let’s Talk About Pep” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows Sandra “Pepa” Denton of Salt-n-Pepa fame as she emerges from an over 4-year romantic and sexual sabbatical to search for love again. She is joining forces with three of her closest girlfriends to try the dating scene again.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Joe goes to see his recently retired father (Robert Loggia, “Jagged Edge”), who gives new meaning to the word grumpy. Owen’s wife and mother get upset when a commercial for the auto dealership implies that Owen’s co-worker, Marcus, is actually Owen Sr.’s son. And Terry becomes obsessed over finding out why he has been rejected for a youth mentoring program.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake writes love songs to woo his ex-girlfriend, and Herb and Alan hide their secret friendship from Judith’s watchful eye. Ryan Stiles (“The Drew Carey Show”) returns as Herb, Judith’s current husband.
TUESDAY, JAN. 12, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Season 9 opens with two hours of auditions from Boston and continues on Wednesday with 75 minutes of auditions from Atlanta. Joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi at the auditions as guest judges were Victoria Beckham (Boston) and Mary J. Blige (Atlanta).
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Dr. Huizenga delivers the sobering news that this season of contestants is the most unhealthy ever on the show. To illustrate his point, he gives each team a medical task that proves to be a real eye-opener as to what their poor health is really costing them.
◊“Blue Mountain State” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This new comedy follows three incoming freshman attending college football powerhouse Blue Mountain State University. The series stars former NFL runninbg back and actor Ed Marinaro (“Hill Street Blues”) as the coach, Sam Jones III (“Smallville”) as the school’s top recruit and Darin Brooks (“Blue Crush”)as the talented quarterback who is content to ride the bench while partying with his best friend (Chris Romano, “The Sarah Silverman Program”), who aspires to be the school’s mascot.
◊“I (Almost) Got Away With It” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The perpetrators profiled in this new series evaded justice for years by using their families, fake identification and even violence to avoide capture. Viewers learn how law enforcement uses all means necessary to capture these fugitives.
◊“Independent Lens” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Stephen Walker’s documentary Young@Heart spotlights the acclaimed New England senior citizen chorus as it rehearses for its new show. The chorus has charmed audiences around the world with performances of songs from artists ranging from Coldplay to the Clash.
◊“Little Miss Perfect” (9 p.m. on WEtv): The docu-series returns for a second season of exploring the ins and outs of the junior beauty pageant world. Each episode looks at what motivates young beauty pageant contestants and their families to participate. National Pageant Director Michael Galanes also offers his expertiese at what it takes to bring home the crown.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs questions DiNozzo’s ability to do his job when the elder DiNozzo (Robert Wagner, “Hart to Hart”) becomes involved in their latest investigation on the show’s 150th episode. Also guest starring are Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) as State Department Official Joanne Torrence and Joe Lando (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Women”) as Navy Lieutenant Commander Rob Clarke.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Building Pharaoh’s Ship” follows a team of archeologists and boat builders as they reconstruct a vessel depicted on the wall of an ancient Egyptian temple.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): NBC didn’t pick of this series for a second season, so TNT did. The network will begin with a commercial-free extended presentation of the pilot episode with never-before-seen footage. The remaining first-season episodes will follow, and the six new episodes shot for Season 2 will begin airing March 2.
◊“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (9 p.m. on Bravo): On the Season 2 finale, Tabatha Coffey travels to the Earth Moon Sun salon in Western Springs, Ill., to help transform both a hostile manager and a stylist she calls one of the worst hairdressers she has ever seen.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13, 2010
◊“The Bureau” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In the Season 1 finale, the police in Bloomington, Ill., start to connect a series of late-night assauluts. Unwavering police work and an FBI profile become the keyes to inlocking the perpetrator’s true identity.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The investigation of a brutal stabbing takes a dangerous turn when it’s discovered that evidence at the crime scene was planted, which pits the CSIs against a trusted colleague. D.B. Sweeney (“Jericho”) stars as assistant district attorney Craig Hansen.
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Director Spike Lee brings “Passing Strange,” Stew Rodewald’s Tony-nominated semiautobiographical Broadway hit, to television. It’s the story of a man who travels to Europe in search of his artistic and personal identity.
◊“High School Reunion” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Season 6 features a new class and new drama as former classmates from Chaparral High School in Las Vegas reunite for their 20-year high school reunion on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The Chaparral Class of ’89 makes “High School Reunion” history with three marriage proposals and a wedding.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the second installment of this three-part series, host Alan Alda joins researchers studying our fellow simians — mainly chimpanzees — to discover what we share with them and what new skills humans evolved since we went our separate ways,
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): In order to take down an oppressive sweatshop owner, the Leverage team infiltrates the fashion world. Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Sonia manages a defiant hand transplant patient (Michael Imperioli, “Life on Mars”) who wants his donor hand amputated after discovering it once belonged to a pedophile.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies, Shorty (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”), might be secretly gay. Meanwhile Gloria gives Manny’s date a makeover and Claire faces off with Phil’s universal remote.
◊“Our Little Genius” (8:15 p.m. on Fox): Kevin Pollack (“Shark”) hosts this new game show that gives real child geniuses a chance to put their incredible knowledge to the test and work their way up to win their family hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, the little genius’ parents can stop the game at any time and walk away with winnings up to that point.
◊“Solving History With Olly Steeds” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this new series, journalist Olly Steeds is out to find the truth behind some of the world’s biggest mysteries. From the possible sea floor ruins of Atlantis to the dizzying heights of the Andes, Olly throws himself into the story employing hidden cameras, trekking to remote locations and participating in ancient rituals.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Lyle Lovett, Ray LaMontagne, and John Prine” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello explores the role of the singer/songwriter with three guests: four-time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett, the critically acclaimed Ray LaMontagne the highly influential John Prine. Each stands alone in the spotlight to perform and sits for an intimate chat with Elvis on their craft.
◊“Tosh.0″ (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comedian Daniel Tosh returns for a second season of exploring all aspects of the Internet, from the absolutely absurd to the incredibly ingenious. The series features viral clips of the week and original videos created by and starring well-known actors and comedians.
THURSDAY, JAN. 14, 2010
◊“Ace of Cakes” (9 p.m. on Food Network): The crew of DIY Network’s “Man Caves” invades Charm City Cakes to outfit Duff Goldman with a new guy-themes basement. Meanwhile, Duff and his crew take a road trip to Chicago to deliver a cake.
◊“Archer” (9 p.m. on FX): This new animated adult comedy is set at a spy agency where espionage and global crisis are merely opportunities for its highly trained employees to confuse, undermine and betray each other. The voice cast includes H. John Benjamin as master spy Sterling Archer, Jessica Walter as his domineering mother and boss Malory, Aisha Tyler as his ex-girlfriend Anegnt Lana Kane and Judy Greer as Malory’s secretary Cheryl.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): An out-of-this-world case brings Brennan and Booth to New Mexico where they investigate human remains with extraterrestrial attributes. Dean Haglund (“The X-Files”) guest stars.
◊“Carnie Wilson: Unstapled” (7 p.m. on GSN): This new series will draw back the curtain Carnie Wilson as she juggles her careers as game show host, singer, entrepreneur, activist, wife and mother of two young girls.
◊“The First 48″ (8 p.m. on A&E): The Season 10 premiere spotlights a Louisville, Ky., community that is outraged when a married couple is gunned down at home in front of their two young children. Det. Kevin Trees and the homicide team hit the streets hoping the community’s strong reaction to the killing will trump the neighborhood’s long-standing code of silence.
◊“Hidden Agenda” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): In this new domestic hidden-camera game show, one member of a couple attempts to persuade his or her partner to complete a series of challenges — without letting on that the world is watching. Comic Debi Gutierrez serves as host of the show and as the couples’ cheerleader.
◊“Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the season premiere, Detective Kevin Searing and Trenton Police Detective Sgt. Luddie Austin turn to Cmdr. Lenny Depaul for help on the Fugitive Task Force’s toughest manhunt all year, pursuing a 31-year-old fugitive wanted for first-degree murder and weapons possession.
◊“Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): Season 2 launches with 16 fresh faces aspiring for their chance at being paired with the last “Project Runway” designer standing on the catwalk. The winning model will receive a $25,000 cash prize from L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional make-up line and will also be featured in the designer’s fashion spread in Marie Claire.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Ann sets Leslie up on a blind date with a co-worker (Will Arnett, “30 Rock”) that does not go as well as Leslie hoped. An old friend of Ann’s (Justin Theroux, “Tropic Thunder”) makes Mark feel insecure.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Host Heidi Klum, mentor Tim Gunn, judges Michael Kors (leading designer) and Nina Garcia (fashion director for Marie Claire magazine) return to New York for Season 7. They welcome 16 new designers who are vying for a shot to make their way to Bryant Park and show their collection in front of top industry insiders during New York Fashion Week. Nicole Richie (“The Simple Life”) is a guest judge on the season premiere.
FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 2010
◊“I Shouldn’t Be Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): The Season 3 premiere tells the story of extreme adventure athlete Danelle, who plunges 60 feet down a canyon wall onto solid rock in the remote Utah wilderness. With just her faithful canine companion Taz for support, she faces the endurance challenge of her life — a battle for her own survival.
◊“I’m In the Band” (8 p.m. on Disney): Get a sneak peek at this new series premiering Jan. 18 on Disney XD. In this episode, Tripp Campbell’s dreams come true when he wins a radio contest to have dinner with his favorite rock band, Iron Weasel, and manages to impress them with his musical skills. Amazingly, he lands the lead guitar role, and before long the band is staying in the guest room at his house and playing a gig at Tripp’s school.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison dreams of a schizophrenic child, who she later meets as the well-adjusted roommate of a missing psychiatric patient, and questions whether she was responsible for killing her own parents. Danielle Panabaker (“Shark”) guest stars as Summer Lowry, the schizophrenic young girl from Allison’s dreams.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a lost shipment of high-caliber firearms when one of the weapons is responsible for random killings throughout the city. Guest stars include James Remar (“Dexter”) as weapons dealer Randall Priest and Jon Seda (Close to Home”) as arms broker Lonnie Moses.
◊“Sanctuary” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the two-part Season 3 finale, Magnus, Will and Kate travel to Mumbai, India, to investigate a murder and connection to the Cult of Kali, an ancient cult whose followers can foretell disaster.
◊“The Singing Bee” (8 p.m. on CMT): Host Melissa Peterman (“Reba”) returns for a second season of the compeitition series that blends a mix of country music with popular favorites from other genres. The show tests contestants’ knowledge of lyrics to well-known songs, and those who fail to accurately sing the correct lyrics are eliminated from the competition.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Alex finds her new boyfriend Mason, a transfer student from England, perfect in every way except for his artistic vision. She casts a spell on Mason so that she becomes the inspiration for all the art he creates in their school art class. Guest starring as Mason is Gregg Sulkin from Disney Channel UK’s “As The Bell Rings.”
SATURDAY, JAN. 16, 2010
◊“House of Bones” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In this Syfy7 original movie starring Corin Nemec (“Stargate SG-1”) and Charisma Carpenter (“Angel”), a group of ghost hunters from a nationally syndicated TV shyow arrive for their latest assignment — the mysterious Wicker House in New Orleans that has been the site of nsome of the most grisly murders in history.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help baker Ben Boudreaux, a.k.a. “The Muffin Man,” remember the secret ingredient for his world famous muffins. Duff Goldman (“Ace of Cakes”) guest stars as Ben Boudreaux.
◊“Pit Boss” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Former actor Shorty Rossi (“Criss Angel Mindfreak”), who runs a Hollywood talent agency for little people. He also has a passion for pit bulls and has gathered together three friends and fellow little people, including Ronald Lee Clark from Choctaw, to take on the task of rescuing, rehabilitating and training the most misunderstood of dogs.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Oscar-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver takes her second turn at hosting the show. Musical guest is the Grammy-nominated duo The Ting Tings, comprised of Katie White and Jules De Martino.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 3-9, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 3:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 3, 2010
◊“Durham County” (8 p.m. on ION): While the villain of the first season turned out to be the former high school classmate and neighbor of Homicide Detective Mike Sweeney, the evil threat in Season 2 comes from a brilliant but deeply troubled forensic psychiatrist Pen Verrity (Michelle Forbes, “True Blood”).
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): “Good Morning America” weather anchor Sam Champion joins the design team to help repair the 100-year-old home of the Morris family in St. Paul, Minn. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet gang also volunteer to rebuild the home that also serves as a daycare in the community.
◊“Frank the Entertainer … in a Basement Affair” (7 p.m. on VH1): Frank Moresco, aka the “Entertainer” from “I Love New York 2” and “I Love Money,” is back and looking for love. Fifteen women traveled to New York for Frank, only to find out that they won’t be living in the elaborate mansion they expected – they will be living in Frank’s parents’ house. Each week at elimination, Frank will give the ladies keys to his basement, and those locked out will have to pack up.
◊“Giuliana & Bill” (8 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 takes viewers inside the adventures of celebrity power couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic as they focus on the future, including trying for a baby and settling down in one city.
◊“Platinum Weddings” (8 p.m. on WEtv): The economic downturn hasn’t hurt the budgets of these “want-it-all” brides and grooms, as Season 4 features more one-of-a-kind weddings that come with price tags no less than six figures. The premiere episode showcases a Black-Eyed-Peas guitarist who treats his guests to a leisurely swim with sharks.
◊“Secrets of Aspen” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new docu-soap style series will explore the lives of six single women who live in America’s most renowned resort town – Aspen, Color. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Aspen has become one of the country’s most expensive zip codes to live in. However, not everyone living in this small town can afford to live the lavish lifestyle.
◊“Smucker’s Stars on Ice 2010″ (3 p.m. on NBC): Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi will host this special that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the tour, how it all began, the star skaters, emotional memories and a collection of standout performances. Among those featured are skating greats Scott Hamilton, Rosalynn Sumners, Brian Orser, Kurt Browning, Paul Wylie, Evan Lysacek and Sasha Cohen.
◊“Super Chef Battle: An Iron Chef America Event” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse travel to the White House to take part in a culinary competition. Greeted by First Lady Michelle Obama, the chefs are joined by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and receive their challenge: create a meal for America using The White House Kitchen Garden’s produce as their secret ingredients.
◊“Worst Cooks in America” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Twelve of the most hopeless cooks in the country are put through a culinary boot camp led by chefs Anne Burrell (“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”) and Beau MacMillan (executive chef at elements in Phoenix). At stake for the last two standing is the chance to cook for a panel of esteemed culinary critics and win the grand prize of $25,000.
MONDAY, JAN. 4
◊“All My Children” (noon on ABC): Mark Consuelos (“Killer Hair”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) return to the daytime drama for the show’s 40th anniversary episodes, which air today and Tuesday. This will be the first time either actor has appeared on the show since they left in 2002. The milestone special episodes will air on January 4 and 5, 2010.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 14th-season premiere features a record-setting appraisal of four Chinese carved jade objects estimated to be worth as much as $1,070,000 – -the highest value appraisal ever featured on the series. The collection was discovered at the “Roadshow: event last june in Raleigh, N.C.
◊“The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” (7 p.m. on ABC): Airline pilot Jake Pavelka, who was rejected by Bachelorette Jillian Harris, gets a chance to hand out the roses himself in the 14th edition of the romantic reality series. Kimberly, a Norman native and former NBA dancer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is among the 25 women competing for his attention.
◊“Blood, Sweat & Takeaways” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, a group of young fast food junkies spend a month finding out the truth behind how their favorite foods are produced.
◊“Conveyor Belt of Love” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this fast-paced special, 30 men go by on conveyor belt and are given 60 seconds to impress one of five women. If a woman is interested in someone, that man will step aside and wait as the rest of the men go by. But if another man comes by on the belt who seems better than that woman’s first choice, she can swap out the man waiting off of the belt as many times as she wants until the last man has passed by. Each woman is left with her final choice as she embarks on a date in the hope of finding a true connection.
◊“Forensics: You Decide” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The Season 1 finale presents both sides of the case involving Jeffrey Lamb of Florida. He is a suspect in the murder of his wife and attack of his own dogs.
◊“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): The series, which returns to complete its first season with 10 new episodes, is set in the world of competitive gymnastics. And while the girls celebrate their win at the National Gymnastics competition, Payson struggles with the ramifications of her back injury, becoming increasingly detached from her family and friends.
◊“This Emotional Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part series, airing nightly through Wednesday, explores ways to improve social relationships and become more resilient while coping with depression and anxiety. The opening episode, ‘‘Family, Friends & Lovers,” explores the importance of relationships to a person’s emotional well-being. Tuesday’s episode is “Facing Our Fears,” followed by “Rethinking Happiness” on Wednesday.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This drama, which returns to complete its second season with 12 new episodes, focuses on the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with teenage issues, including an unexpected pregnancy. In the premiere episode, Amy and Anne decide to take their babies and escape their problems by going on vacation — and things back at home start to fall apart in their absence.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie must decide between his fiancée, Chelsea, and his old flame, Mia, on a rebroadcast of the seventh season premiere. Rock Superstar Eddie Van Halen makes a cameo appearance as himself.
◊“Welcome to Macintosh” (8:30 p.m. on CNBC): This CNBC special is the Apple story told by people who build, use, love, hate, and obsess over the company’s revolutionary products. When Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched Apple Computers in 1977, they had no idea the impact their company would have on the world. Now, more than thirty years later, filmmakers Robert Baca and Josh Rizzo take an in dept look how Apple has created a cult fan base and how Steve Jobs has become a modern day hero.
TUESDAY, JAN. 5, 2010
◊“As the World Turns” (1 p.m. on CBS): Model Paulina Porizkova (a judge on Season 4 of “America’s Next Top Model”) makes her daytime debut as Clarissa, a character who has a history with Simon Frasier (Paul Leyden), who recently returned to the show.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Couples” (7 p.m. on NBC): Cheryl and Daris George from Ardmore are among the 11 family teams of two on Season 9 of the weight-loss competition series. Alison Sweeney hosts the series and contestants work out under the supervision of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.
◊“ID Investigates: The Secret Life of Tiger Woods” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special takes a comprehensive look at the Tiger Woods scandal — the details curently unfolding and the legal ramifications.
◊“Last Restaurant Standing” (8 p.m. on BBC America): World-renowned chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc returns for a third season with nine couples vying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open a restaurant with him. The couples are working and living together 24 hours-a-day under enormous pressure, and only one will succeed.
◊“Maneaters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series tells the stories of people who have survived terrifying encounters with animals. The premiere episode is titled “Sharks.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a Navy pilot is found dead under strange circumstances in a secluded area, the team finds themselves battling a no-nonsense attorney with a hidden agenda. Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) guest stars as attorney Margaret Allison Hart. Marcus Giamatti (“Judging Amy”) guest stars as aerospace engineer Victor Tillman.
◊“Nova: Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment presents evidence that a torpedo fired from a Japanese midget submarine may have struck the USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Parks Stephenson was the lead investigator on the underwater expedition, and he says there are accounts that indicate one torpedo fired at the USS Arizona was a dud, but he believes another torpedo hit the USS Oklahoma.
◊“Wild Recon” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new 10-part series follows Donald Shultz, a venom expert, as he travels the world collecting bio specimens from the world’s deadliest animals. He’s the guy who approaches the animal, like a cobra, to extract the venom, or the 400-pound wild African lion to get a blood sample — all in pursuit of bio-specimens for research and potential new scientific discoveries.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2010
◊“The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards” (8 p.m. on CBS): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”) hosts the event live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans cast more than 16 million votes to determine the nominees and winners in the fields of music, movies and television. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist and favorite country artist), Brad Pitt (favorite movie actor) and Rascal Flatts (favorite country artist).
◊“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has six months to help put an old-fashioned chain of roadside cafes back on the map.
◊“Building Your Future: Educational Opportunities in Oklahoma” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): Oklahoma City TV personaliity Jennifer Eve hosts this special that is designed to engage high school students and their parents into thinking ahead about college. John Feaver, president of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma will appear along with two USAO alums, a faculty member and a current student.
◊“Conviction Kitchen” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new series, chef Marc Thuet and his wife have three weeks to help 24 ex-cons with no culinary experience open a high-end restaurant from scratch.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Despite fearing the meanest and most unrelenting dermatologist in town, Dr. Amy Evans (Lisa Kudrow, “Friends”), Jules and Ellie are willing to endure the harsh ridicule and wrath for an appointment with the best in the business. But when Jules learns Dr. Evans is seeing Bobby, she’s determined to stand up to her and protect him.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Season 3 will have the team traveling to a different international country each week in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims. In the premiere episode titled “Hitler’s Ghost,” the investigators venture to Miramar, Argentina, and set their sights on the Gran Hotel Viena, once the secret residence of many Nazi war criminals including rumored guest, Adolf Hitler.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Alan Alda (“Scientific American Frontiers”) hosts this three-part series that examines paintings and carvings that date back 30,000 years in an attempt to determine when mankind developed the ‘‘human spark” that produced art, innovative technology and symbolic communication.
◊“I Get That A Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. on KWTV-9): This new special features celebrities tricking everyday citizens in a case of supposed “mistaken identity.” Among the celebrities confusing customers who can’t decide if it’s the actual celebrity or a look-alike, are Julie Chen (“Big Brother”) working at a yogurt shop, Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”) as a gas station employee, Snoop Dogg (hip-hop artist) as a parking lot attendant, Rachael Ray (“The Rachael Ray Show”) working at a dry cleaner, Gene Simmons (rocker of the band Kiss) as a psychic guru and Tony Hawk (skateboarder) working in a surf shop.
◊“Launch My Line” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Pop star Lady Gaga, known for her fashion-forward outfits, surprises the designers and provides inspiration. In this week’s challenge, the teams create an avant-garde outfit, but they must make sure they are pushing the boundaries of fashion without crossing the line of good taste.
◊“Man Vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Bear Grylls hits the global road for extreme adventures and invaluable lessons in survival. His locations this season include China, Panama, Montana, Guatemala and Poland. No feat is too large, nor task too daunting as Bear climbs a 200-foot waterfall, gets bitten by aggressive weaver ants, encounters a deadly Green Pit viper snake and lands on an active volcano.
◊“Marriage From Hell: The Breakup of AOL Time Warner” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes viewers inside the story of what has been called the worst deal ever made. In includes candid comments from one of the chief architects of the deal, former Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin, who underwent a stunning reversal of fortune.
◊“The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears that a confrontation with trashy neighbor Rita Glossner (Brooke Shields, “Lipstick Jungle”) is at hand when Sue has a run-in with her sons. Meanwhile, Axl tries to bribe Brick when he’s asked to teach his little brother how to kick a ball for a gym requirement, but it’s Brick who turns the tables on Axl and ends up bribing him for another favor.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Manny’s infamously unreliable dad, Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “The Cleaner”). Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): As the seventh (and final) season begins, the doctors are honored by their alma mater, the University of Miami, prompting Sean to recall their college years and past pains. Meanwhile, a man whose genetic disorder has led to self-mutilation wants it undone.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Elvis Costello” (9 p.m. on Sundance): In this special edition, Elvis Costello slides from the host chair to guest chair for a revealing conversation with actress/music journalist Mary Louise Parker (“Weeds”). While it’s impossible to cover all of Costello’s 30 year plus musical journey in an hour, he performs a wide selection of his material.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty wants to spend some time apart from Matt, so she finds him something else to keep him occupied. Meanwhile, Hilda has a tough decision to make regarding her baby, and Mark’s fling looks to be heading towards something more serious.
THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2010
◊“Bear Whisperer” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Every summer, tourits and black bears converge on the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. “Bear Whisperer” Steve Searles is fearless in his efforts to jeep the peace between man and beast.
◊“Best of the World Music Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This special looks back at over a decade of the most memorable World Music Award moments, including performances by Michael Jackson, Byonce, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey.
◊“Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Season 3 will follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at a center in the Los Angeles area. The show will follow Mackenzie Phillips (“One Day at a Time”), Heidi Fleiss (“Alien 51″), Tom Sizemore (“Crash”), Dennis Rodman (“Celebrity Apprentice”), Mindy McCready (country singer), Lisa D’Amato (“America’s Next Top Model”), Mike Starr (Alice in Chains) and Joey Kovar (“Real World Hollywood”).
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in a typically calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Duel in the Sun” (7 p.m. on TCM): Actress Jennifer Jones, who was born in Tulsa, earned an Oscar nomination for this 1946 Western about an American Indian woman caught between two brothers. It is the first of a four-film tribute to Jones, who died Dec. 17 at age 90. The other films are “1954′s ◊“Beat the Devil” (9:30 p.m.), 1949′s “Madame Bovary” (11:15 p.m.) and 1954′s “Indiscretion of an American Wife” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“The Newlywed Game” (8 p.m. on GSN): Game show host Bob Eubanks, who first began hosting “The Newlywed Game” more than 40 years ago, returns as guest host of the new version. This special episode features current host Carnie Wilson and her family as the celebrity contestants. Competing against Wilson and her husband, Rob Bonfiglio, are Wilson’s sister Wendy Wilson and her husband Dan Knutson, and Wilson’s mother, former singer Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, and her husband, Daniel Rutherford.
◊“Planet of the Apps: A Handheld Revolution” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special looks at the recent “app” explosion and how they have changed the way we live. It introduces viewers to some of the creators who are designing applications and striking it rich and explains just how the big business of apps really works.
FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2010
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on FLN): Three bartenders pair drinks with flavored popcorn, try to send psychic messages to their patrons and play a game of catch—with olives. Guest judge Dan Aykroyd (“Ghostbusters”) asks them to impress him with their bartending skills and create a drink they’d be proud to put on their headstones.
◊“Big Band Blues” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program presents performances from the Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival. It also features commentary from the artists about the relationship between blues, boogie woogie, jazz and swing music.
◊“Big, Bigger, Biggest” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This series follows the evolutionary engineering leaps that enable iconic structures to grow in size. The Season 2 premiere focuses on the largest submarine ever constructed by the U.S. Navy.
◊“Elvis on Tour” (7 p.m. on TCM): In honor of the 75th celebration of Elvis Presley, TCM host Robert Osborne is joined by Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling to introduce the 1972 concert documentary. They also comment on the 2001 re-edited version of the 1970 film “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” (9 p.m.) and the 1957 film “Jailhouse Rock” (11 p.m.).
◊“John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): John Oliver (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) hosts this new series that features some of Oliver’s favorite comedians. In the premiere episode, Oliver ditches the suit to discuss his surprising affection for America, the upside-down Australians and the effects of voting under the influence. The episode also features sets from Maria Bamford, Nick Kroll, Greg Fitzsimmons and Eugene Mirman.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team try their luck at investigating the theft of scratch-off lottery tickets, but the stakes are raised when one of the culprits killed at a botched robbery turns out to be a former lottery winner. Guest stars include Michael O’Neill (“Transformers”) as California Lottery security supervisor Boyd Keene; Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) as eccentric lottery agent Nancy Hackett; and Allison Smith (“Kate & Allie”) as Sara Lewis, a financial advisor working with lottery winners.
◊“Operation Wild” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows the officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In the premiere episode, the officers are busy patrolling the annual Lobster Mini-Season as thousands of people put their lobster-catching skills to the test over a 48-hour period.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): This series, back for Season 2, gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their business dreams come true and make them successful and possibly wealthy people. But first, the entrepreneurs must convince a panel of five ruthless, multi-millionaire tycoons – known as Sharks — to part with their own hard-earned cash to give them the funding they need to jumpstart their breakthrough business concepts, products, properties and services. The five Sharks are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, “infomercial” industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.
SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2010
◊“Renovation Realities Best Freakin’ Moments” (8 p.m. on DIY): This special looks as some of the most compelling moments from the home renovation show — from big mistakes and injuries to major fights and meltdowns.
◊“The View Special Edition — All My Children: Moving Pine Valley” (5 p.m. on SoapNet): This encore presentation pays tribute to the daytime drama that is relocating to Los Angeles. The one-hour celebration features the show’s creator, Agnes Nixon, and cast members Susan Lucci, Debbi Morgan, Rebecca Budig, Cameron Mathison, Michael E. Knight and Vincent Irizarry.
◊“The Wishing Well” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a city-bred journalist (Jordan Ladd, “Death Proof”) heads to small-town Illinois for a story, her one-day visit turns into a much longer stay with the toss of a coin. Sally Kellerman (“Open House”), Jason London (“All Roads Lead Home”), Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”) and Charles Shaughnessy (“The Nanny”) costar in the time-twisting story about finding answers in the most unexpected of places.
◊“World’s Greenest Homes” (5 p.m. on Planet Green): The Season 2 premiere spotlights a dome home in upstate New York. It has a spaceship-like exterior that rotates to make the most of the sun’s rays.
–Penny TV
