What’s Hot On TV Tonight – Michael Jackson Coverage Just Doesn’t End
The Michael Jackson coverage just doesn’t end. Every newsmagazine show is going to milk it for all its worth. Tonight, Dateline NBC discusses the possible drug abuse and how his death has affected his brother Jermaine and his kids, and on 20/20 a plastic surgeon will discuss the transformation from the Michael we first met as a kid from Gary, Indiana, to the guy that maybe nobody really knew as much as they thought they did.
1. Regis and Kelly. Guests include Brad Paisley and last season’s winner of America’s Got Talent, Neal E. Boyd, as well as a Montana BBQ chef. Syndicated, check local listings.
2. Firehouse Dog. This was actually a very cute family movie, with a terrier mix that happens to look a lot like my dog. 11:00 AM CT HBO Family East
3. Wimbledon: Men’s semifinals. The men’s tennis semifinals in London. 12:00 PM CT NBC
4. Rachael Ray. 4th of July grilling, along with a So You Think You Can Dance segment and science experiments. Syndicated, check local listings.
5. Chopping Block. Another series finishing out what’s in the can after its cancellation. Tonight the couples shop in Little Italy, then prepare a luncheon for Italian customers, including Vincent Pastore, Federico Castelluccio, and Mario Batali. They’ll compete for an espresso macine and barista services. I’m not sure why, but this was the same info given for last week’s episode. 7:00 PM CT NBC
6. Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?. It’s back, with a competitive-eating champion testing his intellect against the 5th graders. 7:00 PM CT Fox
7. The Goode Family. Bliss starts a job cleaning up graffiti, but when there’s no cleaning to do, he and Helen start tagging. Her graffiti becomes a popular item, and is declared the work of a major new urban artist by an Oxford professor. 7:30 PM CT ABC
8. Dateline NBC. We’re moving past our shock and getting to the truth behind possible drug abuse and how his family is affected. 8:00 PM CT NBC
9. Mental. Jack treats a gambling addict who’s suicidal and testifies for another patient who’s charged with manslaughter in front of a prosecutor who has never lost. Jack and his coworkers meet for a poker game after work, and Rylan and Veronica have sparks flying. 8:00 PM CT Fox
10. Whale Wars. The crew has to figure out whether it’s better to refuel or attack after their run into the entire Japanese fleet. 8:00 PM CT Animal Planet
11. 20/20. Tonight, a plastic surgeon dissects Michael Jackson’s face, and the changes it’s gone through, and it’s definitely not the first time for a plastic surgeon to do so. 9:00 PM CT ABC
12. Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson. Tonight’s guests are matthew McConaughey and Coie Roberts. 11:37 PM CT CBS
What’s Hot On TV Tonight – Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett Specials
It’s a little strange in a way, as it almost feels like we’ve moved on. We’ve had so many more celebrity deaths since Ed McMahon, Michael Jackson, and Farrah Fawcett. However, we have a Barbara Walters special on E!, the same one that aired last Thursday, just in case you missed it while watching Jackson coverage, as well as some Jackson repeats with his 30th anniversary in the business celebration, and the bioepic on the Jackson family.
1. Regis and Kelly. Jerry O’Connell guest co-hosts, with Real Housewives of New Jersey stars as guests, and Fourth of July Entertaining Week as well. Syndicated, check local listings.
2. Wimbledon: Women’s semifinals. The women’s tennis semifinals in London. 12:00 PM CT NBC
3. Superbad. Sometimes I just can’t get enough of Judd Apatow movies. Here’s another one with Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plazze starring as nerdy high school kids. Like most Apatow films, it’s a little raunchy, but a lot of fun with a sweet side to it, and costars Seth Rogen. 2:30 PM CT Starz East
4. Rachael Ray. Bobby Flay and the six finalists from Next Food Network Stars are the guests today. Syndicated, check local listings. (more…)
What’s Hot On TV Tonight - So You Think You Can Dance
So You Think You Can Dance is down to the final fourteen, meaning only seven dances … and a lot of filler. Last year they filled up the time with auditions we didn’t see. Is that what they’ll do tonight? In a future episode, per Nigel Lythgoe’s Twitterings, they’ll be doing a Michael Jackson special. The choreographers already picked out the songs they want, and Nigel’s trying to work with Paula Abdul as well. They’re just working on clearing the music with Sony.
1. Regis and Kelly. Bryant Gumbel guest co-hosts, with John Leguizamo as a guest, and 4th of July Entertaining Week continues with party-game ideas. Syndicated, check local listings.
2. Wibledon: Men’s quarterfinals. Tennis Quarterfinal round play from the men in London. 10:00 AM CT NBC
3. Caddyshack. It’s hard to believe it’s almost been thirty years since this movie was out. There isn’t any part of this movie that isn’t fun. It stars Michael O’Keefe, Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, and Ted Knight. 5:00 PM CT AMC
4. Wipeout. The obstacles tonight include Spiked Fenders, Spinning Triangles, and Drop Bridge. 7:00 PM CT ABC (more…)
See Farrah Fawcett In Her Career Defining Role
Farrah Fawcett gained quick notoriety as one of Charlies Angels, and combined with her appearance in a red swim suit tank on one of the most infamous posters ever, and a hairstyle that every young woman wanted to emulate, her talent was seen only on the surface. Yet, after leaving Charlies Angels after just one year, Fawcett seemed determined to be seen as a serious dramatic actress, taking on roles such as the battered wife in The Burning Bed.
Tonight, Encore Drama will air The Burning Bed, at 9:35 PM EST. Fawcett plays the role of Francine Hughes, an abused wife who finally had enough, and after being raped by her husband, sets their marital bed, with him still asleep on it, on fire. She was nominated for both an Emmy and Golden Globe for this role. It was a shock to see her so battered and worn down as Francine, but in a way, it made her even more real to us.
What’s Hot On TV Tonight – America’s Got Talent, and So Does Nick Cannon
I’m not exactly sure why America’s Got Talent switched hosts, making this the third in its short run of seasons, but as much as I liked Jerry Springer doing this, I absolutely love Nick Cannon. His facial expressions alone make the show. To me he kind of stole the show away from the auditioners and the judges, as I looked to see what his reactions were to each performance last week, more than I looked to see what the Hoff thought.
1. Wimbledon: Women’s Quarterfinals. Tennis Quarterfinal round play from the women in London. 10:00 AM CT NBC
2. The View. Dolly Parton, Allison Janney, and the stars of Broadway’s 9 to 5: The Musical guest, as well as columnist Lenore Skenazy. 10:00 AM CT ABC
3. Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! The movie adaptation of the popular Seuss story, starring the voices of Jim Carrey and Steve Carrell. 11:00 AM CT HBO East
4. Superstars. The remaining teams compete in the 100-year dash and the long-jump, with the latter competition taking place in the water. 7:00 PM CT ABC (more…)
What’s Hot On TV Tonight - American Idol Redeux
Nigel Lythgoe announced this on last week’s So You Think You Can Dance, that tonight Fox is airing a rebroadcast of the American Idol Final 13 that featured all Michael Jackson music. It should make for a fitting tribute. From Nigel’s Twitter, comes the news that they’re working on a salute to the gloved one as well on the dance show, but they need to get the music cleared first.
1. Regis and Kelly. Mark Conseulos, aka Mr. Kelly Ripa, guest cohosts, and Josh Duhamel, Mark and Kelly’s old buddy from their All My Children days, guests. Syndicated, check local listings.
2. Wimbledon. Early-round play. 10:00 AM CT NBC
3. My Cousin Vinny. If this movie is known for one thing, it’s the Joe Pesci quote, “Two Youtes.” Also stars Ralph Macchio, Marisa Tomei in her Oscar winning role, and Fred Gwyne. 12:00 PM CT TBS (more…)
What’s Hot On TV Tonight - Comedy You Can Believe In
David Alan Grier hosts a special tonight on TBS, Comedy You Can Believe In. It’s about time he find someone that understands his comedy after his stint on Dancing With the Stars where it seemed like they just didn’t get him. He explains his comedy and this special in a recent conference call. And while you’re laughing, check out Hung, a new comedy on HBO. You have to appreciate a guy that recognizes his God-given gifts.
1. The House Bunny. Surprisingly enough, this movie is okay for younger girls. I was afraid to let my tween see it because of the Playboy theme, but it’s really innocuous as the movie turns out to be one of accepting everyone, no matter their faults. 12:30 PM CT Starz West
2. NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup In Loudon, NH. It’s the Lenox Industrial Tools 301. Only ten races are left before the Chase for the Championship. 1:00 PM CT TNT
3. The TV Set. I expect this movie about a screenwriter who follows a movie all the way through from writing it to casting, to directing, etc. I have a feeling it causes screenwriters all over to nod their heads in recognition. David Duchovny, Sigourney Weaver, and Justine Bateman star. 2:00 PM CT Starz Comedy
4. 60 Minutes. Online poker cheating, neuroscience and how to read a person’s mind, and a profile on philanthropist Gregory C. Carr. 6:00 PM CT CBS (more…)
What’s Hot On TV Tonight - Ellen In Primetime
You thought you’d have to wait all summer to see more of Ellen DeGeneres, didn’t you? It’s like a bonus. On top of getting to see new Ellen, it’s in primetime on TBS. She takes on the Windy City here in Ellen’s Bigger, Wider, and Longer Show. TV Land will honor the memory of Farrah Fawcett with a tribute presentation of two Charlie’s Angels episodes and the first two episodes of Chasing Farrah. A Michael Jackson tribute will air on Sunday
1. Road to Perdition. Tom Hanks plays a mob hit man who goes hiding with his son and is betrayed by his boss. It was filmed in the Chicago suburbs here and was big doings at the time. 11:00 AM CT TNT
2. NASCAR Racing: Nationwide Series in Loudon, NH. The Nationwide Series Camping World 200 was won last year by Tony Stewart, with a different winner driver winning each year. 2:00 PM CT ABC
3. Bruce Almighty. Morgan Freeman plays God and gives Jim Carrey as a TV reporter some of his powers. He’s just hoping it helps him in his relationship with Jennifer Aniston, but does try to do things the right way and help the people who need it … eventually. 3:00 PM CT USA
4. Charlie’s Angels. In the first episode, Sabrina pretends to be a race car driver, and in the second, the Angels go behind bars to uncover a murder-extortion scheme at a prison-farm. 6:00 PM CT TV Land (more…)
What’s Hot On TV Tonight – Moving From Shock to Questions
Yesterday, much of the coverage of the death of Farrah Fawcett was immense sadness, of a beautiful and loving woman taken down way too young. By the time the news hit about Michael Jackson, it was just pure shock. Today the coverage will start to move past the shock and to the blame and questions. A Jackson family attorney was speaking very loudly last night, comparing his death to that of Elvis and Anna Nicole Smith, suggesting that doctors had been giving him scripts for unneeded prescription meds for far too long. It’s hard to tell what will be covering this tonight, but expect the autopsy results to be dominating a lot of coverage, and expect Dateline NBC and 20/20 to have something on at least one of the icons we lost this week.
1. Regis and Kelly. William Shatner is the guest co-host, with Ray Romano and Megan Fox as guests. Syndicated, check local listings.
2. Romancing the Stone. This movie was on HBO hundreds of times after it first came out, and I think I watched it each and every time it was on. Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas as unlikely romantic interests.1:30 PM CT WE
3. Sweet Home Alabama. Reese Witherspoon plays a fashion designer from New York that has to go back home to Alabama to dissolve her first marriage to a redneck before she can marry the much more suave Patrick Dempsey. 6:00 PM CT USA
4. Chopping Block. Another series finishing out what’s in the can after its cancellation. Tonight the couples shop in Little Italy, then prepare a luncheon for Italian customers, including Vincent Pastore, Federico Castelluccio, and Mario Batali. They’ll compete for an espresso macine and barista services. 7:00 PM CT NBC (more…)
What’s Hot On TV Tonight - Samantha Who Returns
All you Sam fans, rejoice! It’s not for long, though, as we’re most likely just playing out the remaining new episodes that have already been shot, but at least you can watch the remaining episodes knowing this time will be your last. Also up the So You Think You Can Dance results. Who’s going home tonight? Our field will reduce to just fourteen for next week’s performance show.
1. Regis and Kelly. Joanna Philbin guest co-hosts, with Shia LaBeouf and Il Divo as guests. Syndicated, check local listings.
2. Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. I won’t lie. The best part about this David Spade movie the cameos of 70s child stars such as Danny Bonaduce, Barry Williams, and Corey Feldman. 9:00 AM CT TBS
3. Samantha Who? Sam dates a rock star that had been an idol of her youth, but doesn’t remember how she used to feel about him. Andrea and Dena have no problem remembering him. John Taylor from Duran Duran guest stars. 7:00 PM CT ABC
4. Wedding Day. Jeanelle and Nyk finally get their wedding day after putting it off because of their daughter who was born with a non-functioning kidney. 7:00 PM CT TNT (more…)
