“Dexter”: Who’s Coming to Dinner?
John Lithgow, far left, and Michael C. Hall, far right, in a scene from the "Dexter" Thanksgiving episode - Showtime Photo
“If erring is human, then remorse must be too. Wait, does that make me human?” declared Dexter (Michael C. Hall) at the close of last Sunday’s episode.
After Dexter’s confession to Arthur/Trinity (John Lithgow) about his most recent killing, Arthur felt compelled to reveal his darkest family secrets.
Now the closer Dexter gets to Trinity, the more he realizes that all serial killers are not created equal.
With Thanksgiving approaching, Dexter once again is forced into balancing his family obligations with his ever deadly deepening relationships with Trinity and his bizarrely dysfunctional family.
Turkey Day will never be the same after Dexter and the Trinity Killer share a memorable holiday feast.
♦♦♦ Weekly viewership including DVR and On Demand has pushed “Dexter” over the 4 million mark, so tune in to Showtime at 8 p.m. on Sunday, or Showtime On Demand, to see what everyone’s watching, if you haven’t caught an episode yet.
To check out a clip from the next episode of “Dexter,” click below.
Tune in to “Oprah” today (Nov. 20); she will address her decision to leave show
From Programming Insider:
The big news late Thursday was Oprah Winfrey’s decision to conclude her syndicated talk show in 2011 after 25 seasons on the air to concentrate on her upcoming cable network OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, a joint venture with Discovery Communications.
The Queen of talk, who will officially step down on Sept. 9, 2011, will address her decision to leave on today’s show (airing at 4 p.m. Nov. 20 on KOCO-5 in Oklahoma City).
This does not mean, of course, that Oprah is officially done as a talk show host. A spokesperson at Harpo, Oprah’s production company, declined to comment on what exactly Oprah’s participation would be at OWN.
Said a spokesman for CBS Television Distribution: “We have the greatest respect for Oprah and wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors. We know that anything she turns her hand to will be a great success. We look forward to working with her for the next several years, and hopefully afterwards as well.”
Pictured above: Oprah Winfrey smiles as she arrives to the red carpet for the gala screening of “Precious” during the Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)
Cook with Chef Gordon Ramsay at home or on TV
Want to prepare a three-course meal with Chef Gordon Ramsay? Everyone can do so from the comfort of their own kitchen — and without getting yelled at — when Fox airs “Gordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15.
But Fox is giving a few people passionate about cooking the chance to join Chef Ramsay live on the special. He may or may not scream and yell at his helpers like he does the contestants on “Hell’s Kitchen.” Take your chances by applying for the opportunity at www.fox.com/casting.htm.
Hurry, though. Deadline for submissions is today (Nov. 20).
Here is what Chef Ramsay is going to prepare in an hour’s time on live TV: Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Chili Peppers and Tomatoes as an appetizer, Steak Diane with Sautéed Potatoes and Peas as the main course and Quick Tiramisu for dessert. The three-course meal will serve four.
And here’s the shopping list for those who wish to cook along Chef Ramsay at home:
PRODUCE
••1 red chili pepper
••5 large garlic cloves, peeled
••1 large tomato (heirloom or beefsteak)
••1 lemon
••Small handful of fresh basil leaves
••3 scallions
••4 ounces crimini mushrooms, cleaned (can also use button mushrooms instead)
••3 shallots, peeled
••Small handful of flat-leaf parsley
••3 small sprigs of rosemary
••1 pound small waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold, cut in half)
••2 cups peas, defrosted if using frozen
MEAT/FISH
••1/2 pound medium-size raw, peeled shrimps
••4 small sirloin steaks (approx. 7 ounces each)
DAIRY
••1 3/4 cups heavy cream
••1 cup mascarpone
••2 1/2 tablespoons salted butter
PASTA/BREAD
••7 ounces angel hair pasta
••4 Italian Ladyfingers, or Savoiardi
BAKING
••1/4 cup powdered sugar
••1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
••Piece of chocolate (to grate as garnish)
LIQUOR/COFFEE
••4 tablespoons Marsala, or sweet dessert wine such as Vin Santo
••1/4 cup brandy or cognac
••1/4 cup white wine
••1 cup cold strong coffee
CONDIMENTS
••Salt and freshly ground black pepper
••Olive oil
••Extra virgin olive oil
••1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
••1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
MOST IMPORTANT PART
••Friends and family to enjoy the meal, which will be ready at 9 p.m.
–Penny TV
Sink your teeth into “Vampire Diaries” marathon Dec. 14-18 on The CW
Paul Wesley, left, and Ian Somerhalder in "The Vampire Diaries" - The CW Photo
The CW Network has announced plans for a special “The Vampire Diaries” Marathon starting on Monday, December 14.
This week-long event offers fans the opportunity to relive “The Vampire Diaries” saga from the very beginning and allows the uninitiated the chance to get into one of TV’s breakout hits.
Airing two episodes each night from Monday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 18 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. beginning with the season premiere episode, The CW will rebroadcast every episode of its smash hit “The Vampire Diaries” in consecutive order across its entire primetime schedule that week.
After just 10 episodes, “The Vampire Diaries” has become The CW’s most-watched and highest-rated series among adults 18-34 this season.
Based on the best-selling series of books by L. J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is the story of two vampire brothers obsessed with the same beautiful girl, and battling to control the fate of an entire town.
Beautiful high school student Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev, “DeGrassi: The Next Generation”) has no way of knowing that the handsome and mysterious new boy in school, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley, “Mad Men”), is a centuries-old vampire.
While Stefan struggles to live peacefully among humans, his older brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder, “Lost”) is the embodiment of vampire violence and brutality.
Now these two vampire brothers ─ one good, one evil ─ are at war for Elena’s soul and for the souls of her friends, family and all the residents of the small town of Mystic Falls.
Top 20 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Nov. 22-28, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a
list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 20 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Nov. 22.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
GUEST STARS
••Rosanna Arquette (“The L Word”) on “Eastwick,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Francis Capra (”Veronica Mars”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Chris Elliott (”Everybody Loves Raymond”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Eve (“Eve”) on “Glee,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Daryl Hall and John Oates (musical artists) on “The Cleveland Show,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Chelsea Handler (”Chelsea Lately”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Jonah Hill (“Funny People”) on “The Simpsons,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••C. Thomas Howell (”The Outsiders”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Shelley Long (”Cheers”) on “Modern Family,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Ray Mabus (U.S. Secretary of the Navy) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Jilian Michaels (”The Biggest Loser”) on “The Suze Orman Show,” 8 p.m. Saturday on CNBC.
••Marisa Miller (Victoria’s Secret model) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Suze Orman (”The Suze Orman Show”) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Pauley Perrette (”NCIS”) on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Melissa Peterman (”Reba”) on “Rita Rocks,” 9 p.m. Monday on Lifetime.
••Esteban Powell (“The Cleaner) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Katee Sackhoff (”Battlestar Galactica”) on “The Big Bang Theory,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Lisa Sheridan (”Invasion”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Fisher Stevens (”Early Edition”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jeffrey Tambor (”Arrested Development”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Casper Van Dien (“Starship Troopers”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Rod Woodson (pro football player) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
Pictured above:
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Nov. 22-28, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Nov. 22.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“The Haunted,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Meet the Natives USA,” 10 p.m. Sunday on Travel Channel (series premiere).
••“Find My Family,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on ABC (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (seventh-season finale).
••“The Next Iron Chef,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Jon and Kate Plus 8,” 8 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth-season finale).
••“Dancing With the Stars,” 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (ninth-season finale).
••“Man Shops Globe,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Shameless,” 7 p.m. Friday on Sundance (fifth-season premiere).
MARATHONS
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on USA Network.
••“How Clean Is Your House?” 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“Dogs 101/Cats 101,” 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday on Animal Planet.
••“Cake Boss,” 5 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on TLC.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“Untamed & Uncut,” 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“White Collar,” 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••“I’m Alive,” noon to 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“Dirty Jobs,” 10 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Nov. 29 on Discovery.
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
Pictured above: DONNY OSMOND, KYM JOHNSON on “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC Photo)
Happy Birthday, Ming-Na
Nov. 20, 2009 — Ming-Na Wen,
who played Dr. Jing-Mei Chen on “ER” (1995-2004), turns 46 today.
She played Judge Linda Harris on four episodes of “Two and a Half Men” (2007).
Her first acting role was as Royal Trumpeter on two episodes of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” (1985). She was 22.
Best wishes to Ming-Na and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured above: Ming-Na Wen arrives at the Lili Claire Foundation’s 10th annual benefit dinner in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
People’s Choice Awards nominees announced, voting for winners open until Dec. 8
New trophy design by Waterford for the People's Choice Awards 2010. Photo by Sonja Flemming - Provided by CBS
The nominations for People’s Choice Awards 2010 have been announced.
Fans voted at www.peopleschoice.com and cast more than 16 million votes to determine the nominees in categories such as “Favorite Movie,” “Favorite Breakout Artist” and “Favorite TV Obsession.”
Winners will be revealed during the live broadcast of People’s Choice Awards 2010 from its new home, the Nokia Theater, L.A. on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. on CBS.
Queen Latifah will host the only major awards show that honors fan favorites in movies, music and television.
Voting at www.peopleschoice.com and www.myspace.com/peopleschoiceawards for all 35 categories will end on December 8, 2009, except for “Favorite New TV Drama” and “Favorite New TV Comedy,” which will remain open for voting until night of show.
A complete list of the People’s Choice Awards 2010 nominees is as follows:
FAVORITE TV DRAMA
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Grey’s Anatomy
House
Lost
NCIS
FAVORITE TV COMEDY
Desperate Housewives
How I Met Your Mother
The Big Bang Theory
The Office
Two and a Half Men
FAVORITE TV DRAMA ACTOR
Hugh Laurie
Kiefer Sutherland
Mark Harmon
Matthew Fox
Patrick Dempsey
FAVORITE TV DRAMA ACTRESS
Anna Paquin
Blake Lively
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Katherine Heigl
Mariska Hargitay
FAVORITE TV COMEDY ACTOR
Alec Baldwin
Charlie Sheen
Jim Parsons
Neil Patrick Harris
Steve Carell
FAVORITE TV COMEDY ACTRESS
Alyson Hannigan
America Ferrera
Amy Poehler
Eva Longoria Parker
Tina Fey
FAVORITE TV OBSESSION
Dexter
Gossip Girl
The Hills
The Secret Life of the American Teenager
True Blood
FAVORITE TALK SHOW (Mobile Voting Category)
Chelsea Lately
Live with Regis & Kelly
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Tyra Banks Show
FAVORITE SCI FI/FANTASY TV SHOW (Mobile Voting Category)
Heroes
Lost
Supernatural
The Vampire Diaries
True Blood
FAVORITE COMPETITION SHOW
American Idol
Dancing with the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Survivor: Samoa
FAVORITE ANIMAL SHOW
Animal Cops
Dog Town
Dog Whisperer
It’s Me or the Dog
Rescue Ink Unleashed
FAVORITE NEW TV DRAMA
Eastwick
FlashForward
Melrose Place
Mercy
The Forgotten
The Good Wife
The Vampire Diaries
Three Rivers
NCIS: Los Angeles
V
FAVORITE NEW TV COMEDY
Accidentally on Purpose
Brothers
Community
Cougar Town
Glee
Hank
The Cleveland Show
The Middle
Modern Family
FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR
Brad Pitt
Hugh Jackman
Johnny Depp
Robert Pattinson
Ryan Reynolds
FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway
Drew Barrymore
Jennifer Aniston
Kristen Stewart
Sandra Bullock
FAVORITE ACTION STAR
Christian Bale
Gerard Butler
Hugh Jackman
Shia LaBeouf
Vin Diesel
FAVORITE COMEDIC STAR
Adam Sandler
Ben Stiller
Jim Carrey
Ryan Reynolds
Vince Vaughn
FAVORITE BREAKOUT MOVIE ACTRESS
Anna Kendrick
Emily Osment
Ginnifer Goodwin
Miley Cyrus
Zoe Saldana
FAVORITE BREAKOUT MOVIE ACTOR
Chris Pine
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Sam Worthington
Taylor Lautner
Zachary Quinto
FAVORITE ON-SCREEN TEAM
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ˆ Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint & Emma Watson
The Proposal ˆ Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds
The Twilight Saga ˆ Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart & Taylor Lautner
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ˆ Shia LeBeouf & Megan Fox
X-Men Origins: Wolverine ˆ Hugh Jackman, Liev Shreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Will.i.am, Dominic Monaghan & Daniel Henney
FAVORITE FAMILY MOVIE (Mobile Voting Category)
Hannah Montana: The Movie
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Up
Where the Wild Things Are
FAVORITE INDEPENDENT MOVIE
(500) Days of Summer
District 9
Inglourious Basterds
Paranormal Activity
Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail
FAVORITE FRANCHISE (Mobile Voting Category)
Harry Potter
Star Trek
The Twilight Saga
Transformers
X-Men
FAVORITE COMEDY MOVIE
17 Again
Bride Wars
He’s Just Not That Into You
The Hangover
The Proposal
FAVORITE MOVIE
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Star Trek
The Hangover
The Proposal
Twilight
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Eminem
Jason Mraz
John Mayer
Keith Urban
Tim McGraw
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Beyoncé
Britney Spears
Carrie Underwood
P!nk
Taylor Swift
FAVORITE COUNTRY ARTIST
Brad Paisley
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Rascal Flatts
Taylor Swift
FAVORITE BREAKOUT MUSIC ARTIST
Adam Lambert
Demi Lovato
Kris Allen
Lady Gaga
Susan Boyle
FAVORITE HIP HOP ARTIST (Mobile Voting Category)
Eminem
Flo Rida
Jay-Z
Lil’ Wayne
T.I.
FAVORITE ROCK BAND
Daughtry
Green Day
Kings of Leon
Muse
Paramore
FAVORITE MUSIC COLLABORATION
Good Girls Go Bad ˆ Cobra Starship & Leighton Meester
Lucky ˆ Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
Run This Town ˆ Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West
Life Your Live ˆ T.I. & Rihanna
I’m On a Boat ˆ The Lonely Island & T-Pain
FAVORITE R&B ARTIST
Alicia Keys
Beyoncé
Jennifer Hudson
Mariah Carey
Usher
FAVORITE POP ARTIST
Britney Spears
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
The Black Eyed Peas
FAVORITE WEB CELEB
Andy Samberg
Ashton Kutcher
Miley Cyrus
P. Diddy
Will Ferrell
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 22-28, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 22:
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
SUNDAY, NOV. 22, 2009
◊“2009 American Music Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 37th annual event will honor artists in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin and Contemporary Inspirational. And for the third year in a row, winners will be determined by online voting. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire for favorite female country artist and Rascal Flatts for favorite country band and album.
◊“Bill Engvall: Aged and Confused” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): In this standup comedy special filmed at the Vic Theater in Chicago, the Blue Collar comedian moves away from discussing family life and what it’s like raising kids to discussing all the little everyday things that drive him nuts.
◊“The Cleveland Show” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Cleveland celebrates his first Thanksgiving with his new family. However, the holiday gets complicated when Roberta and Federline decide to celebrate on their own. Musical artists Daryl Hall and John Oates guest star as themselves.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 7 finale, a returned favor costs Larry quality time with Cheryl.
◊“Did the Mob Kill JFK?” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Featuring an exclusive interview with a secret FBI informant, this special tracks the nexus of organized crime, the Justice Department, the CIA and attempts to overthrow Cuban leader Fidel Castro culminating in that fateful day in Dallas.
◊“Future Earth: 100 Heartbeats” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Wildlife expert Jeff Corwin hosts this two-hour special on the plight of endangered species and the environmental heroes around the world who are working to save them. At the current rate of extinction, scientists estimate that only half of the world’s animal species will remain by the end of the 21st century.
◊“The Haunted” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series focuses on people whose animals act as mediaries to the afterworld. Often the subjects of the most intense paranormal hauntings, animals are commonly believed to be more sensitive to spirits than people. But when spirits afflict pets, the animals aren’t the only victims. Owners also fall prey to paranormal activity and will often stop at nothing to rid their homes and pets of paranormal spirits.
◊“JFK: The Ruby Connection” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special sets out to answer this by recreating and restaging the Nov. 24, 1963, shooting of Oswald at the actual Dallas police station garage where Jack Ruby shot him. The same vintage cameras and lights will be used to illustrate minute-by-minute who was standing where and why.
◊“Meet the Natives USA” (10 p.m. on Travel Channel): This new series focuses on five tribesmen from the South Pacific island of Tanna who have come to the United States to see how Americans live and to deliver a message of peace from their supreme chief to the leaders of America.
◊“The Next Iron Chef” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining two chefs walk into the hallowed halls of Kitchen Stadium to complete their final test with the Chairman looking on and host Alton Brown commentating from the side.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): Fed up with Bart’s constant pranks, Principal Skinner tells him there is a former Springfield Elementary student (Jonah Hill, “Funny People”) who is hailed as the best prankster ever.
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In the new episode “Fight or Flight,” University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer isn’t satisfied after he launches a remote control plane to drop data-probes into a tornado, so he punches right into an erratic storm, only to find himself with no time to get out of the way of the powerful vortices that surround him.
◊“Vampires From the Abyss” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Journey to depths of more than 13,000 feet as Science Channel searches the oceans off San Francisco for one of the most unusual organisms on the planet — the Vampire Squid.
MONDAY, NOV. 23, 2009
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): After he’s humiliated on National Public Radio, Sheldon vows to destroy Kripke, while Wolowitz tries not to destroy his new relationship with Bernadette. “Battlestar Galactica” star Katee Sackhoff appears as herself, offering Wolowitz some relationship advice.
◊“Bus 174″ (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This special documents the terrifying tale of what happened in Rio de Janeiro on June 12, 2000, when bus 174 was taken hostage by an armed man threatening to shoot all the passengers. The event played out live on over Brazilian TV networks. It became a shocking example of the incompetence by local law enforcement agencies to properly handle the situation, which appeared to be coming to a safe and peaceful conclusion until the misguided acts of a policeman changed everything.
◊“Elbert Hubbard: An American Original” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Liev Schreiber (“The Manchurian Candidate”) narrates this documentary about the life of Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915), the flamboyant founder of the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, N.Y. The voice of Hubbard, an influential author, publisher, lecturer and entrepreneur, is provided by Adam Arkin (“Baby Bob”).
◊“Find My Family” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): With the help of a dedicated team of researchers, hosts Tim Green and Lisa Joyner guide people searching for lost loved ones through emotional journeys that will change their lives forever.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): On the eve of Thanksgiving, the team treats a brilliant physicist (Esteban Powell, “The Cleaner), who traded his career for a job as a courier because he found intelligence to be a burden that led to depression and addiction. A myriad of strange symptoms nearly stumps the doctors, who also wrestle with strained personal relationships.
◊“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.
◊“Jon and Kate Plus 8″ (8 p.m. on TLC): On the Season 5 finale, Kate and the kids milk cows at a dairy farm and Jon and the kids learn about firefighting. Then, Jon and Kate speak about recent life events, the series and ups and downs of the last few years.
◊“Lie to Me” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Loker investigates the origin of a deadly stampede at an electronics store on the day after Thanksgiving.
◊“Live With Regis and Kelly” (9 a.m. on CBS): Hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are in Las Vegas for a week of telecasts originating from the city’s new resort, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. In addition to a top-notch lineup of guests, the show will turn the spotlight on Las Vegas’ vibrant nightlife, elaborate stage productions and all of the sights and sounds of this unique oasis in the desert.
◊“The Martha Stewart Show” (2 p.m. on KSBI-52): Chef Emeril Lagasse joins Martha Stewart in the kitchen to prepare a Thanksgiving feast. And in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Martha will dedicate one segment per show to answer last-minute Thanksgiving questions via Twitter.
◊“Rita Rocks” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): When Rita’s PTA nemesis, Jennifer (Melissa Peterman, “Reba”), shows up at Bed & Bath Max blubbering about being broke and her husband running off with their maid, Rita helps her get a job at the store.
◊“Surviving the Holidays With Lewis Black” (7 p.m. on History): Armed with history and humor, Lewis Black (”The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”) explores the meaning of Kwanzaa, the history of Hanukkah, the real St. Nicholas and “interviews” ill-fated turkeys on a farm. Also appearing are Joy Behar, Bob Saget, David Alan Grier, Craig Ferguson and other comics.
TUESDAY, NOV. 24, 2009
◊“Apollo Wives” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This special looks at the wives of Apollo astronauts and what was required of them by their husbands, by NASA and by the media.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The five remaining contestants get a surprise visit from financial guru Suze Orman, who gives them tips on how toi be financially fit when they get home. Later, Hall of Fame football player Rod Woodson helps kick off an NFL challenge involving the weight they’ve each lost all season.
◊“Dancing With the Stars” (8:01 p.m. on ABC): The three remaining couples compete for the Season 9 championship. Singer Mya and her partner, Dmitry Chaplin, were early favorites to win.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia deals with tricky office politics when she’s asked to represent the firm’s senior partner after he’s arrested. Meanwhile, Peter’s evidentiary hearing hits the skids, leading Alicia to suspect that he may, in fact, actually be guilty of corruption. Chelsea Handler (”Chelsea Lately”) guest stars as herself when she interviews Peter Florrick’s mistress on her show.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): A look at our complex relationship with manufactured objects, the people who design them and the creative process behind their work.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A dead Marine’s day job at a government think tank leads Gibbs and the team into the life of a 12-year-old prodigy who may be the killer’s next target. Lisa Sheridan (”Invasion”) guest stars as Facilities Coordinator Krista Dalton. Francis Capra (”Veronica Mars”) guests as Gang Member Eddie Castillo. Ray Mabus, the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy, will make a cameo appearance.
◊“NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette, “NCIS”) joins the Los Angeles NCIS team when a murder case resembles the pattern for a serial killer she has been tracking.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment follows heading dream researchers to witnes the experiments they use to investigate the world of sleep.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): The 152nd edition profiles an organization for paralyzed football players, follows one man’s triumphant return to Ironman competition and revisits the NFL’s efforts to curb alcohol-induced fan misconduct.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): The top 12 dancers twist, turn and tango for the chance to get a ticket on the “Hot Tamale Train.” This is the last week that the judges decide who goes home, and then it will be solely up to America.
◊“V” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the November cliffhanger, Erica looks to uncover a biological threat from the visitors, Anna befriends a special guest inside the mothership and Chad does an investigative report on the V healing centers. The series will return with new episodes in March.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25, 2009
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on the music of folk singer Woody Guthrie, whose songs have been recorded by artists ranging from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to the Irish rock band U2.
◊“Ben 10: Alien Swarm” (6 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new live-action movie based on the popular animated franchise follows Ben (Ryan Kelley, “Prayers for Bobby”) as he breaks ranks from the Plumbers — a secret organization that battles alien forces — to help a mysterious young woman from his past uncover an alien threat to our world.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special will feature more that 40 contestants from seasons one through seven, showing how they look now and sharing what they’ve been doing with their lives since being on the show. Former players, some of whom will be surprised by visits from trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, will also share major milestones, from getting married to having children.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’’s 100th episode, the Behavioral Analysis Unit races to help Hotchner find The Reaper (C. Thomas Howell, “The Outsiders”) and save his family before it’s too late. D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) also returns as US Marshall Kassmeyer.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”). But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Thrilled when Darryl arranges an art show for her work at his mansion — and invites New York art maven Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette) — Roxie forgets that his motives might be less than pure. Joanna turns to her power to get her life back on track, but swiftly discovers that every action, magical or otherwise, has its consequences.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary lets Louise attend the popular girls party, he tries to keep it a secret from Allison. Meanwhile, Sasha contemplates having more than a working relationship with Gary. Victoria’s Secret Model Marisa Miller guest stars as Brittney, a fashion store clerk.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Mr. Schuester and his glee club check out their hair-raising competition, but there’s even scarier stuff going on elsewhere, as Kurt gives Rachel a makeover. Eve guest stars as the rival glee club’s instructor.
“The Jazz Baroness” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This special documents the enduring relationship between British-born heiress Pannonica Rothschild (“Nica” for short) and pianist-composer Thelonious Monk. It was directed by Nica’s great-niece Hannah Rothschild and features the voice of Helen Mirren (”The Queen”), who reads Nica’s words.
◊“Man Shops Globe” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Keith Johnson, buyer-at-large for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie, continues his search for unusual good while on vacation in Argentina. In the Palermo area, he combs through the offerings at a flea market, checks in with his favorite fabric merchant, who sells hand-loomed pieces from remote parts of the country and takes in two stores specializing in 20th Century pieces.
◊“Man v. Food” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Adam Richman visits Little Rock, Ark., to taste the mammoth Quadruple Hubcap Burger and compete in the Shut Up Juice Spicy Pulled Pork Challenge.
◊“Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Claire and Mitchell’s mother, Dede (Shelley Long,” Cheers”), drops in for a surprise visit and is determined to make amends with everyone she offended during what has been deemed “the incident” at Jay and Gloria’s wedding.
◊“Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The episode “Mumbai Massacre” revisits the events of Nov. 26, 2008, when a wave of orchestrated terrorism was transmitted live around the world via cell phones, the Internet, texting and social networks such as Twitter. That same technology enabled the terrorists to coordinate and plan their attacks.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Ricardo Montalban was born on this day in 1920, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of his films, including 1952’s “My Man and I” (9:45 a.m.), 1966’s “The Money Trap” (3:15 p.m.) and 1966’s “The Singing Nun” (5 p.m.).
◊“A Very Monkey Christmas” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): This holiday special finds Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat preparing for Christmas, when they encounter a dilemma–neither can figure out what to give the other for a present. It features classic Christmas carols, as well as three original songs –”Are You Ready?”, “Something As Special as You”, and “Christmas Monkey.”
THURSDAY, NOV. 26, 2009
◊“2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8 a.m. on NBC): “Today” show’s Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker will co-host the 83rd annual event, which has aired on NBC since 1948. More than 8,000 participants, including marching bands, celebrities, clowns, floats and giant helium balloons, will once again convene on the Upper West Side to bring the magic of the season to life. Joining the balloon team this year will be Spider-Man, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Ronald McDonald and Sailor Mickey Mouse.
◊“2009 National Dog Show Presented by Purina” (11 a.m. on NBC): Three new American Kennel Club-recognized breeds — the Irish Red and White Setter, Norwegian Buhund and Pyrenean Shepherd — will be among more than 150 breeds competing for best in breed, group winner and best in show honors at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. America’s top-ranked show dog, a Scottish Terrier named Sadie, is also entered in the event, which is co-hosted by John O’Hurley (”Seinfeld”) and David Frei (expert analyst).
◊“Beyonce: I Am … Yours” (8 p.m. on ABC): An intimate performance of Beyonce’s appearance at the Encore at Wynn in Las Vegas last summer in which she tells the story of her career through music and dance. It includes never-before-seen footage of her off stage life and rare childhood video.
◊“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1973 animated special, the pressure is on for Charlie Brown after Peppermint Patty decides she and the gang will have Thanksgiving dinner at ‘‘Chuck’s” house. The holiday classic is followed by “This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers,” in which Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew experience firsthand the lifestyle of the early settlers and celebrate the first Thanksgiving.
◊“CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” (8 p.m. on CNN): Anderson Cooper (”Anderson Cooper 360″) hosts the third annual event that spotlights everyday citizens changing the world. Culled from more than 9,000 submissions and selected by a Blue Ribbon panel that included Whoopi Goldberg,Elton John, Kirk Cameron and Ted Turner, the Top Ten Heroes will each be awarded $25,000. Also, Carrie Underwood will perform at the gala.
◊“Cool Tools Hardware Show 2009″ (7 p.m. on DIY): “Cool Tools” host Chris Grundy visits the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas to check out more than 850,000 square feet of the latest in tools.
◊“Kaleidoscope” (3 p.m. on Fox): This holiday variety special features Olympic skating champions and Grammy Award-winning music artists. Scott Hamilton, who will kake his first television performance since being diagnosed with a brain tumor five years ago, will skate to the music of fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John. Also performing will be Dorothy Hamill, Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic figure skating hopefuls Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.
◊“NBC’s People of the Year” (8 p.m. on NBC): Matt Lauer (“Today”) looks back at the year’s most memorable celebrities, politicians and pop stars and invites the public to vote on-line for the person of the year.
◊“Paul McCartney: Good Evening New York City” (9 p.m. on ABC): This special was taped last summer when Paul McCartney performed at Shea Stadium in Queens, NY. Also featured is footage of the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium 44 years ago, as well as an interview with McCartney talking about those early days and what it was like to return and sing many of those Beatles songs today.
◊“Punkin Chunkin 2009″ (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This special highlights the Delaware-based World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association (WCPCA) competition, in 110 competitors from 20 states try to launch a pumpkin one mile. “The Road to Punkin Chunkin” at 7 p.m. captures the high pressure blowups, breakdowns and sparks throughout the journey for chunkin glory.
◊“The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS” (8 a.m. on CBS): Maggie Rodriguez and Dave Price from “The Early Show” will anchor the event, which will feature the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiivng Day Parade live from New York City, as well as a performance by country music artist Reba McEntire from Oklahoma. Additional performances during the parade include the Broadway casts of “West Side Story” and “Ragtime” and the off-Broadway cast of “Dreamgirls.” And Jamie Kennedy (”Ghost Whisperer”) will offer an additional viewpoint of the parade as the “Man on the Street” as he reports and interacts with the crowd.
◊“There’s a Rhino In My House” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Safari park owners Judy and John Travers have devoted their lives to protecting black rhinos in eastern Zimbabwe. When a tragic turn of events leaves a baby rhino, warthog and hyena orphaned, Judy takes on the task of rasing all three in her home.
FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 2009
◊“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Best from the Road” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Host Guy Fieri takes a look back at some of his most memorable visits to joints across the country. The special highlights local favorites, good food and crazy characters.
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Superstar Sting welcomes the holidays with an atmospheric musical celebration of wintertime.The special, taped near his hometown of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in northern England, features new songs, as well as Sting’s interpretation of classical favorites.
◊“I’m in the Band” (5:45 p.m. on Disney XD): This is a special preview of a new music-filled comedy series that follows teenager Tripp Campbell (Logan Miller, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”) as he joins his favorite “vintage” rock band, Iron Weasel, and sets out to help them make an epic comeback. The series is scheduled to premiere in January.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison slips into a coma during a murder investigation and her spirit inhabits the body of a man named Todd Emory (Jeffrey Tambor, “Arrested Development”), who may be a suspect in the case.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk returns to the place where he first heard about Trudy’s murder and kicks off an investigation of great significance. Casper Van Dien (“Starship Troopers”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only four hours to stop a group of hijackers who take a bus full of Hollywood tourists hostage. Fisher Stevens (”Early Edition”) guest stars.
◊“Say Yes to the Dress: Nightmares and Dreams” (8 p.m. on TLC): This special installment highlights some of the most entertaining, emotional and plain wacky moments from the previous three seasons, including loud bridal parties, opinionated moms, picky brides and extremely unusual requests.
◊“Shameless” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Season 5 of the award-winning British comedy series follows the lives of the Gallagher clan and their extended network of lovers, friends and foes at a public housing project in Manchester, England.
◊“Skyrunners” (4 p.m. on Disney XD): This new sci-fi adventure movie follows teenage brothers Tyler (Joey Pollari) and Nick Burns (Kelly Blatz, “Aaron Stone”) who commandeer a small UFO that crashes near their town. They soon learn the spacecraft is “alive” and there’s an alien plot to take over Earth.
◊“VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters” (10 p.m. on VH1): This special features a collection of the Foo Fighters’ greatest hits as well as a performance of their new single “Wheels.” Viewers will also get to hear the band members share their stories and inspiration behind each song.
SATURDAY, NOV. 28, 2009
◊“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This is a special preview of a new comedy series that chronicles the journey of four best friends who are given the opportunity of a lifetime when they get a chance to be part of the Los Angeles pop music scene. The series is scheduled to premiere in early 2010.
◊“Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure” (9 a.m. on ABC Family): This one-hour animated movie features Meaghan Martin (“10 Things I Hate About You”) and Jonathan Morgan Heit (“Bedtime Stories”) as the voices of Easton and Weston, two high-strung elves who monitor the North Pole Weather Center. It features the new song “When You Dream” by Tena Clark, music producer, songwriter and CEO/chief creative officer of DMI Music & Media Solutions.
◊“Magic of Audrey” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special captures the allure and charisma of actress Audrey Hepburn and includes film clips and rare footage of screen tests and interviews.
◊“The National Tree” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Evan Williams (”Degrassi: The Next Generation”) stars as a 17-year-old video blogger who submits the winning entry in a contest to find a new national Christmas tree. The Sitka Spruce was planted when he was born by his father (Andrew McCarthy, “St. Elmo’s Fire”), and the two of them drive it to Washington, D.C. for a ceremony with the President.
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Holiday Homecoming” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Sandra Lee helps create a holiday homecoming part for Christina Sobiloff, a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Burkina Faso, Africa, who returns home to Creskill, N.J., for the holidays.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Host Suze Orman talks to “The Biggest Loser” trainer Jilian Michaels about the health-wealth connection.The episode also features never-before-seen clips of Suze’s one-on-one meetings with “The Biggest Loser” contestants.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Reid Scott
Nov. 19, 2009 — Reid Scott, who plays Brendan Dorff on “My Boys” (Season 4 is scheduled to start production in summer 2010 on TBS), turns 32 today.
He played Bobby O’Neil on “It’s All Relative” (2003-08).
His first acting role was as Ted on 2002 episode of “That ’70s Show.” He was 25.
Best wishes to Reid and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured above: Starring in “My Boys” are, from left, Jamie Kaler, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Bunin, Reid Scott, Jordana Spiro and Kyle Howard.
