- Daily Show with Jon Stewart-”Meet the Press” moderator David Gregory
- Colbert Report-TBA
- Tonight Show with Jay Leno-Terry Bradshaw, 8-year-old chef Jack Witherspoon, Iron & Wine
- Late Show with David Letterman-Ricky Gervais, Kate Hudson, Glasvegas
- Jimmy Kimmel Live (encore)-Artie Lange, author Candace Bushnell (”One Fifth Avenue”), T-Pain performs
- Late Night with Conan O’Brien-Benicio Del Toro, Sarah Chalke, Doyle and Debbie
- Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson-Richard Lewis, Tracie Thoms
- Last Call with Carson Daly-Donald Faison
- Tavis Smiley-Dustin Hoffman
Starting today ABC is bringing back most of their returning shows in what they are calling “Bring in the New Week”. I don’t know what ABC’s obsession lately is with naming weeks. In the fall their season premieres were part of “Stay At Home Week”. Now we have “Bring in the New Week”. Maybe ABC should stop wasting time coming up with how they are going to rename another week. While it has seemed like forever since we have actually had new episodes, ABC still isn’t really getting me excited about ther Bring in the New Week. Here is why I am not that impressed:
Sunday
On Sunday we get what we have all become accustomed to. We get a new AFV, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers and Sisters. Of the four shows I will personally be checkin out AFV, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers and Sisters. After watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition for a couple seasons I have dropped it since the show is so boring now since they just pretty much do the same thing every week. I am expecting a solid episode out of AFV and Brothers and Sisters even though I hope that Brothers and Sisters can turn things around in the second half of the season. The must see of the night though is Desperate Housewives which has truly had a rebound season. WHile the last two seasons of Desperate Housewives have been pretty ho-hum, this season and the time jump has really rejuvinated the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Monday
After a solid start on Sunday, Bring in the New Week hits a snag on Monday. With the two hour season premiere of The Bachelor and the series premiere of True Beauty, I think I am avoiding ABC on Monday. As a 21 year old male I don’t think anyone can blame me for never EVER liking The Bachelor series. As far as True Beauty is concerned, I am not expecting a whole lot out of it. You can check out our preview here. While I might check out the show (just to laugh at the contestants), I don’t think that will hold my interest for long. I despise stuck up people that think they are better than everyone else so I can’t even imagine liking any of the contestants on this show so why even bother watching the show.
Tuesday
Tuesday is a little better than Monday but not that much. One of the better comedies on television (Scrubs) has two episodes (9/8 C) on the night but there really isn’t much else on the night. Homeland Security USA (8/7 C) just looks dumb in my opinion. I doubt it will do well in the ratings anyway. The night ends with Primetime: What Would You Do?. I honestly really don’t care what you would do since I have never been a fan of Primetime. So while Tuesday isn’t very good as a whole, I would recommend that everyone who is a fan of comedies check out Scrubs since it is one of the funniest comedies on television and you really don’t have to see previous episodes in order to enjoy it.
Wednesday
All I can say about Wednesday is why couldn’t ABC air the final episodes of Pushing Daisies and give us some closure instead of what they have chosen to air. So instead of giving your fans some closure, you decide to reair repeats from a show on the previous night (Scrubs), a 20/20, and a Barbara Walters special. I know that Pushing Daisies never got good ratings but you could at least give the fans some closure so they don’t decide to ditch your entire network.
Thursday
Finally after three days off, ABC finally has another good day. ABC’s Thursday has always been good though. With a new Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy, and Private Practice there is plenty of good dramas on the night. While Ugly Betty has hit some hiccups this season, the last couple of episodes before the break give me hope that the rest of the season will be good. Meanwhile Grey’s Anatomy has had it’s problems since season two but it is still entertaining and worth watching (I just wish Ghost Denny would go away though). Finally in what should have been the most obvious move ever, ABC finally moved Private Practice after Grey’s Antomy. I want to know how in the world it took a year and a half for ABC to finally come up with the brilliant idea of airing the spin off after the show that it spun off from.While Private Practice has had it’s own troubles getting going, the show has improved since the first season so Grey’s Fans who quickly gave up on it should give it another chance.
Friday
I don’t know when was the last time ABC had a good Friday night. I have never been a fan of Wife Swap, Supernanny, or even 20/20 so I think I will pass on Friday night.
Saturday
Like usual Saturday is a deserted wasteland with repeats of The Bachelor and True beauty. What did you expect afterall? It is Saturday afterall.
So while ABC has been hyping up the Bring in the New Week, I am left wondering; “Is this all you got ABC”. At this point I am only checking out Sunday, Thursday, and Scrubs. I might also check out True Beauty and Homeland Security USA but probably to just make fun of them. While all their shows aren’t back yet, I am still left unimpressed with ABC’s schedule. I guess I am just anticipating January 21st (Lost Premiere) more.
Tags: ABC, AFV, Desperate Housewives, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Grey's Anatomy, Homeland Security USA, Private Practice, Scrubs, Supernanny, The Bachelor, True Beauty, TV Opinion, Ugly Betty, Wife Swap
Sunday, January 4, 2009:
- Saturday Night Live: Sports Extra (NBC, 7/6c, two-hour special)-Another “Saturday Night Live” best of, this time featuring the show’s best sports sketches.
- Confessions of a Teen Idol (VH1, 8/7c, series premiere)-I previewed this show about two weeks ago and I thought it could be a pretty solid show. You can read more about it in the preview but it basically has Scott Baio trying to help seven former idols regain their glory.
- Nostradamus: 2012 (History, 9/8c, two-hour special)-I’m a bit of a paranormal freak but even I don’t believe the 2012 end of the world prophecies. “Nostradamus: 2012″ takes a look at his predictions to see if there is scientific evidence to back up his claims
- Rock of Love with Bret Michaels (VH1, 9/8c, 90-minute 3rd season premiere)
- Superstars of Dance (NBC, 9/8c, series premiere)-I don’t really think we need yet another dance competition show but NBC apparently thinks we do. The show does come from the “American Idol” team so it could be good but I highly doubt it. (Full Preview)
- Jo Koy: Don’t Make Him Angry (Comedy Central, 10/9c, one-hour special)
Monday, January 5, 2009:
- How I Met Your Mother (Lifetime, 7/6c, begins syndication)-Those of you who haven’t watched the best comedy on television now have a chance to catch up from the beginning. Nearly every episode of this show has me laughing out loud. If you are in your twenties or thirties, you absolutely have to give it a try.
- Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (FOX, 7:30/6:30c)
- The Bachelor (ABC, 8/7c, two-hour 13th season premiere)
- The Secret Life of the American Teenager (ABC Family, 8/7, winter season premiere)
- Masters of Illusion (My Network TV, 9/8c, series premiere)-While “Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed” takes a short break, another new magic series takes its place. In this one, top magicians from around the world perform their best illusions in front of a live audience.
- Seven Signs of the Apocalypse (History, 9/8c, two-hour special)
- DietTribe (Lifetime, 10/9c, series premiere)-Yes, another weight-loss reality show. This one is pretty much geared almost exclusively towards women. (Full Preview)
- True Beauty (ABC, 10/9c, series premiere)-A beauty contest that not only judges a person’s looks but also how beautiful they are on the inside. From the clips I’ve seen, they seem to be rather ugly on the inside. (Full Preview)
- Daddy’s Girls (MTV, 10:30/9:30c, series premiere)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009:
- The Biggest Loser (NBC, 8/7c, 7th season premiere)-This is a season of firsts with the oldest couple (63-year-old grandparents), heaviest female contestant (379 pounds), and heaviest contestant ever (454 pounds). The contestants are also in for a big surprise twist at the weigh-in. Let’s hope this season’s contestants work a bit harder and that there are no Vicky’s or Heba’s.
- Homeland Security USA (ABC, 8/7c, series premiere)-I honestly have no idea how ABC thought this show would work on network television. It sounds like something that should be on A&E or History, not ABC. (Full Preview)
- Scrubs (ABC, 9/8c, 8th season premiere)-After years of neglect on NBC, “Scrubs” finally moves to ABC and instantly gets a ton of promotion. Unfortunately, it is more than likely the last season unless it breaks out.
- Vice Squad (My Network TV, 9/8c, series premiere)
- Nip/Tuck (FX, 10/9c, 5th season winter premiere)
- Primetime: What Would You Do? (ABC, 10/9c, season premiere)
- Wreckreation Nation (Discovery Channel, 10/9c, series premiere)-This show showcases some of the strangest past times in America from lawn mower racing to pumpkin hurling and even “chessboxing” (chess mixed with a bit of boxing). (Full Preview)
- 10 Items or Less (TBS, 11/10c, 3rd season premiere)-We here at The TV Legion got a chance to see the first two episodes of the third season. While neither were terrible, they also weren’t good enough to persuade us to watch the rest of the season. (Full Review)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009:
- 13: Fear Is Real (CW, 8/7c, series premiere)-I was able to see the premiere episode early and while I can’t say that it is a great show, it was good enough to make me want to tune in for the second episode. (Full Review)
- The 35th Annual People’s Choice Awards (CBS, 9/8c, two-hour special)-The only panel worst than the Emmy’s at picking nominees and winners is America. Seriously, “27 Dresses” for favorite comedy movie? “Heroes” for favorite sci fi/fantasy show but no “Lost?” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” for favorite competition/reality show even though the show has absolutely no competition in it?
- First Apocalypse (History, 9/8c, two-hour special)
- Ghost Hunters International (Sci Fi, 9/8c, season premiere)-While I prefer the original series, “Ghost Hunters International” is still a very cool show that I would recommend for just about anyone. The biggest ghost skeptics probably won’t be convinced by the evidence but those of you on the bubble will quickly be convinced.
- Damages (FX, 10/9c, 2nd season premiere)-While I liked the season-long mystery element to the show, I thought it was a bit too slow at times. Hopefully that will be corrected in season two.
- The Real World (MTV, 10/9c, 21st season premiere)
- Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns (TBS, 10/9c, series premiere)
Thursday, January 8, 2009:
- FedEx BCS Championship Game (FOX, 7:30/6:30c)-Oklahoma and Florida (both 12-1) battle it out for college football’s biggest prize.
- Dragons’ Den (BBC America, 8/7c, 4th season premiere)
- 14th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards (VH1, 9/8c, two-hour special)
- Greg Behrendt’s Wake-Up Call (SoapNet, 10/9c, series premiere)
- Snapped (Oxygen, 10/9c, 7th season premiere)
Friday, January 9, 2009:
- Howie Do It (NBC, 8/7c, series premiere)-As a fan of hidden camera comedy shows, I’m definitely going to give this a try even though I didn’t think the clips I watched were very funny. (Full Preview)
- Flashpoint (CBS, 9/8c, 2nd season premiere)
- Monk (USA, 9/8c, 7th season winter premiere)-In the winter season premiere, Monk’s half-brother breaks out of prison and asks Monk to help him find the person who framed him.
- Stargate Atlantis (Sci Fi, 9/8c, series finale)-Even though this is the series finale, “Stargate” fans shouldn’t be worried because a second spinoff called “Stargate Universe” is coming in the summer.
- Psych (USA, 10/9c, 3rd season winter premiere)
Saturday, January 10, 2009:
- Expecting a Miracle (Hallmark, 9/8c, original telefilm)
- My Big Redneck Wedding (CMT, 9/8c, 3rd season premiere)
- Cribs (CMT, 9:30/8:30c, season premiere)
Tags: This Week's TV Premieres
Show Name: Treasure Quest
When and Where Does It Air?: Thursday at 10/9c on Discovery Channel (premieres January 15, 2009)
Genre: Reality
What’s It About?: “Treasure Quest” follows the Odyssey Marine Exploration (OME), a publicly-traded company that searches for treasure in the deep sea.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Treasure Quest, Treasure Quest clips, Treasure Quest Discovery Channel, Treasure Quest preview
Shows we watch and recommend are in bold.
7/6c:
- America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC)
- Saturday Night Live Sports Extra (NBC, two-hour special)
- 60 Minutes (CBS)
- Rock of Love Girls: Charm School: Reunion (VH1, one-hour special)
8/7c:
- Million Dollar Password (CBS)
- Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC)
- Saturday Night Live Sports Extra (NBC, two-hour special)
- Confessions of a Teen Idol (VH1, series premiere)
- In the Womb (National Geographic)
- Ruby (Style, season finale)
- Seven Deadly Sins: Pride (History, one-hour special)
9/8c:
- Desperate Housewives (ABC)
- Superstars of Dance (NBC, two-hour series premiere)
- Cold Case (CBS)
- Brink’s Year in Science 2008 (Science Channel)
- House Hunters (HGTV)
- In the Womb (National Geographic)
- Masterpiece (PBS, two-hours)
- Nick News with Linda Ellerbee (Nickelodeon)
- Nostradamus: 2012 (History, two-hour special)
- Rich Bride, Poor Bride (WE)
- Rock of Love with Bret Michaels (VH1, 90-minute season premiere)
- Ultimate Recipe Showdown (Food Network, season premiere)
- When Weather Changed History (Weather Channel)
9:30/8:30c:
- House Hunters International (HGTV)
10/9c:
- Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
- Superstars of Dance (NBC, two-hour series premiere)
- The Unit (CBS)
- Dead Men Talking (MSNBC)
- The Girls Next Door (E!)
- Jo Koy: Don’t Make Him Angry (Comedy Central, one-hour special)
- Masterpiece (PBS, two-hours)
- Nostradamus: 2012 (History, two-hour special)
- The Shift (ID)
10:30/9:30c:
- Property Virgin (HGTV)
- Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood (E!)
11:30/10:30c:
- Robot Chicken (Adult Swim)
12:15/11:15c:
- Drinky Crow (Adult Swim)
Mandy Quigley (Case #16):
- #20-$75,000
- #4-$5
- #9-$300
- #17-$750
- #26-$100
- #11-$200,000
- Offer #1-$89,000, No Deal
- #8-$0.01
- #19-$500
- #22-$50,000
- #18-$100,000
- #21-$750,000
- Offer #2-$71,000, No Deal
- #3-$1,000,000
- #24-$400
- #15-$10
- #25-$400,000
- Offer #3-$28,000, No Deal
- #7-$1,000
- #13-$10,000
- #23-$1
- Offer #4-$49,000, No Deal. Also, since she is afraid of heights the banker gives her a heights-based challenge which she easily beats for an additional $16,000 (added to whatever deal she takes).
- #10-$500,000
- #5-$75
- Offer #5-$22,000, No Deal
- #6-$200
- Offer #6-$35,000 + $15,000 from the challenge, Deal
- Her case, #16, held $25,000
Diane Jorgensen (Case #25):
- #7-$200
- #20-$5
- #2-$300
- #9-$75,000
- #24-$400,000
- #12-$10,000
- Offer #1-$55,000, No Deal
- #1-$0.01
- #16-$50
- #8-$400
- #10-$200,000
- #11-$100
- Offer #2-$117,000, No Deal
- Her game will continue next time on “Deal or No Deal”