Co-Ed Watercooler TV

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:09:51 -0500

So You Think You Can Dance (FOX, 8 p.m. ET)
Season Finale. Live. Two Hours. It's down to Donyelle, Heidi, Travis and Benji. Ciara and Fergie are set to perform. Also, the final voting results will be announced, and one winner will be named America's Favorite Dancer. That dancer will receive $100,000, a new car, and a one-year contract with Celine Dion's Las Vegas Show, "A New Day."

Laguna Beach (MTV, 10 p.m. ET)
Season 3 Premiere. Do NOT miss it. The girls are even cattier in this season. And, for those of you who loved the old cast, don't worry, you'll be pleasantly surprised. I'll leave it at that though because I don't want to give any of it away. Let me just say, it's gooood.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 07:17:14 -0500

The Miracle of Stairwell B (The History Channel, 8 p.m. ET)
Premiere. This documentary tells the story of 12 firefighters, an office worker, and a Port Authority police officer who lived through the collapse of the North Tower on 9/11, and after surviving for hours, were finally rescued. You'll hear the stories of their day from when they first woke up that morning until the time they were reunited with their families.

Hell's Kitchen (FOX, 8 p.m. ET)
Season Finale. Unlike last year when Michael and Ralph faced off, this year we'll see two women going head to head to win the competition. Will it be Heather or Virginia who wins the title of Executive Chef of a restaurant in the brand new Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas?

WATERCOOLER

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 10:59:49 -0500

From now until August 11, my Watercooler TV selections will be posted on the homepage.

Thanks!

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:23:45 -0500

Throwdown! with Bobby Flay (Food Network, 10 p.m. ET)
Series Premiere. Chef Bobby Flay is getting a hint from his wife Stephanie March (who we all know as ADA Cabot from Law and Order: SVU), because he's getting sneaky. He wants to challenge all the best chefs around. In each episode, an award winning chef is told that Food Network is shooting their profile for a show. Then, to their surprise, Bobby Flay will visit them and challenge them to a cook-off. Of course, Bobby doesn't have the advantage in these situations, so there will be a lot of practice on his part before he enters the showdown. Or really, the throwdown.

Windfall (NBC, 10 p.m. ET)
Wasn't it just last week that Peter and Cameron were hugging, solidifying their agreement to work together in their bike venture? Well this week they're already fighting over it. And, while Sean and Tally (Zoe's sister) are getting closer, Beth and Cameron are growing apart, after Cameron admits that he had an affair. Will he tell her with whom?

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 08:11:50 -0500

Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is (BET, 9 p.m. ET)
Series Premiere. This new reality series follows R&B singer Keyshia Cole. The 21-year-old fought her way through a hard childhood in order to follow her dream of pursuing a career in music. She now has her first record on the A&M label.

Nightmares and Dreamscapes (TNT, 9 p.m. ET)
Premiere. Read Ed Martin's in depth description of the movies here.

Project Runway (BRAVO, 10 p.m. ET)
Season Premiere. Read my preview of the show here. (Road to Runway, the casting special, airs at 9 p.m. ET.)

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 08:41:17 -0500

All-Star Game (FOX, 8 p.m. ET)
The American League starting players are: Alex Rodriguez, Vernon Wells, Derek Jeter, Vlad Guerrero, Kenny Rogers, Ivan Rodriguez, Mark Loretta, Ichiro Suzuki and David Ortiz.
The National League starting players are: David Wright, Jason Bay, Edgar Renteria, Carlos Beltran, Brad Penny, Paul Lo Duca, Chase Utley, Alfonso Soriano and Albert Pujols.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (BRAVO, 9 p.m. ET)
Kathy has problems with her new puppy, and Kathy is hired by the Learning Annex to teach a class.

MONDAY, JULY 10

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 10:14:55 -0500

I Love the '70s: Volume 2 (VH1, 8 p.m. ET)
Premiere. From George Kennedy to Dean Martin to Charlton Heston to Jimi Hendrix... the list goes on. Don't miss the VH1 hilarious show that makes you relive the '70s in the most humorous way possible.

Not Like Everyone Else (Lifetime, 9 p.m. ET)
Premiere. It's the present day witch trials. In this Lifetime Original movie, which is based on a true story, a girl is ousted from her school for being interested in wicca. After reading a book on witchcraft, rumors start flying around her school that Brandi is a witch. She is even accused of putting a hex on a teacher. Brandi has to fight back in court, not only for herself but for everyone who is made to be outcasts. Will she be able to win?

Air Emergency: Suicide Attack (National Geographic Channel, 10 p.m. ET)
Premiere. FedEx employee Auburn Calloway is facing unemployment, and instead of looking for a new job, he takes FedEx flight 705 hostage. Carrying several hammers and a spear gun, Calloway tries to attack the crew. They don't give in, fighting back with all their might, including using the plane to their advantage, by traveling at super fast speeds and crazy angles. Watch as the entire suicide attack is recreated, and witness the heroism of the crew.

Pee-Wee's Playhouse (Cartoon Network, 11 p.m. ET)
Cable Premiere. Every Monday - Thursday, Pee-Wee's Playhouse will rerun on Adult Swim. This is huge for people of my generation. I had a Pee-Wee doll where you pulled the string and he talked. I had a magnet version of his set. I owned all the movies. And now we can watch it every night again? It's great! The Pee-Wee character was created by comedian Paul Reubens, and was once described as combining, "a transgressive sexuality, unabashed materialism, obsessive neatness and a sly anti-authoritarian pose, dressed up in a distinctive costume of white shoes, white socks, red bowtie, tight plaid suit, rouge and lipstick." And Paul Reubens wasn't the only one on the show - other characters were played by Phil Hartman, Laurence Fishburne, Jimmy Smits, S. Epatha Merkerson, Natasha Lyonne and Standra Bernhard, among others.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 08:08:52 -0500

Monk (USA, 9 p.m. ET)
Season Premiere. A famous actor (played by Stanley Tucci) is preparing himself to portray Monk in a movie. Much to the chagrin of Monk, the actor constantly follows him around. Monk has to step in, however, when the actor gets just a little too close to a murder investigation.

Psych (USA, 10 p.m. ET)
Series Premiere. This new show looks like it could go either way - it could be really funny or be a total flop. There are so many of the crime solving shows like CSI and Law and Order, but very few of them have that real comedic edge like Monk, and now Psych, have. The show revolves around Shawn Spencer (James Roday). He grew up in a family of police officers, and ever since he was young, his father taught him how to be incredibly observant and pick up on all sorts of clues. Spencer and his father have a fight, causing Spencer to take on odd jobs instead of getting into the family business. For fun though, he likes to call in tips to the police department. One tip is way too close to the truth, and he's arrested because the police assume he's an accomplice. Spencer convinces the police he's psychic, and ends up getting hired to continously help solve cases.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 08:11:32 -0500

Primetime Emmy Nominations (CBS, NBC, ABC, E!, 8:30 a.m. ET) Live. Brad Garrett and Julia Louis-Dreyfus will announce the nominees. The networks will interrupt their normal programming in order to provide the Emmy coverage. Check back to www.MediaVillage.com at noon to read Ed Martin's commentary on the nominations.

Rock Star: Supernova (CBS, 9 p.m. ET)
The eliminations are starting. The first rock star hopeful will be sent home tonight. Next week the eliminations will move to Wednesdays.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 08:48:32 -0500

Rockstar: Supernova (CBS, 8 p.m. ET)
Season Premiere. While I think this show is definitely worth watching, I believe Ed Martin's description does it more justice than I can. Check that out here.

The Hills (MTV, 10 p.m. ET)
Last week we saw Jason return to his old ways, as he was a total (fill in expletive here) to Lauren. The thing is, we know they're still together because the paparazzi have helped clue us in to that. But, in this episode, we'll see a cleaned up Jason apologize to Lauren.

TUESDAY, JULY 4

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 07:07:26 -0500

A Hero's Welcome (CBS, 8 p.m. ET)
Premiere. This Fourth of July special honors everyday Americans who have done something remarkable. The first story is a 15-year-old girl whose truck went off a cliff. A Navy Lieutenant climbed down the cliff, swam into the icy water, and saved her life. Now, 9 years later, the girl and the lieutenant have an emotional reunion. The second story is about a teacher who risked his life to save 16 students when another student opened fire. 10 years later the students are doing what they can to reunite with their teacher and thank him for saving their lives. Patrick Duffy hosts.

July 4th Special (ABC, 10 p.m. ET)
Premiere. The gala benefitting Ford's Theater boasts a fun lineup consisting of host Tom Selleck, trumpeter Chris Botti, comdian and presidential impersonator Steve Bridges, Heather Headly, Lonestar, Kevin Nealon, and others. Mrs. Laura Bush is the honorary chair of the celebration.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (CBS, 10 p.m. ET)
Premiere. The show will feature the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, followed by 20 minutes of commercial-free fireworks. Dr. Phil McGraw and wife Robin are hosting the event.
NEW ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL HOSTED BY DR. PHIL MCGRAW AND ROBIN MCGRAW,

MONDAY, JULY 3

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 09:58:00 -0500

The Last Trimester (Lifetime, 9 p.m. ET)
Premiere. Chandra West of CSI stars. Tracy Smythe and her husband Eric have arranged to adopt the baby of Gabby Paige. Then, after Gabby gives birth, she is found murdered. Tracy suspects her death was at the hands of her husband, and works with a detective to uncover the mystery.

SUNDAY, JULY 2

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 10:00:32 -0500

Trump Million Dollar Invitational (ESPN, 1 p.m. ET)
Premiere. A fifty-four hole qualifier for 100 aspiring golf professionals narrowed the playing field down to ten players. Today, watch the ten finalists play nine holes. One player is eliminated at the end of each hole. With only three holes remaining, Donald Trump announced, “I have good news and bad news. The bad news is one of you will not have a chance to play for the million. But two of you will be standing on the next and final hole and one of you will be a millionaire.�? Find out who wins the one million dollar check from Trump himself.

Past Sins (Lifetime, 5 p.m. ET)
Premiere. Rachel Carter, an extremely bus Public Defender, is defending a woman who was a 60's radical and is accused of committing murder years ago. Although evidence implicates the woman, Rachel is sure her client is innocent, and is determined to solve the mystery.

Entourage (HBO, 10 p.m. ET)
In order to get a part in his dream project, "Medellin," Vince has to get through to the movie's producer. Dom tells an emotional story to help Vince get the part, leading to the entourage changing their opinion of him.

SATURDAY, JULY 1

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 08:06:22 -0500

TV Land Moguls (TV Land, 10 a.m. ET)
TV Land is devoting this two hour block to honor the memory of Aaron Spelling, legendary producer and show creator. The episode spotlights Spelling's rise to fame in the TV industry. He has created hits including Charlie's Angels, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Starsky & Hutch, Beverly Hills: 90210, and Melrose Place.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 10:01:34 -0500

Boffo! Tinseltown's Bombs and Blockbusters (HBO, 9 p.m. ET)
Premiere. The documentary examines the filmmaking business. Learn the stories behind Hollywood's biggest successes and biggest bombs. Check out my review here.
Note: This program runs 1 hr. 15 min.

American Eats (The History Channel, 10 p.m. ET)
Series Premiere. This show is going to be really fun if you're a food lover, as it takes a look at the history, mystery and technology behind the country's favorite foods. Tonight's episode centers around a huge family favorite - pizza. According to The History Channel, there are 70,000 pizzerias in the US. Learn the history of pizza from when it started in small Italian-American communities to the huge chains it's found in now.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 10 p.m. ET)
Season 2 Premiere. The friends decide there are perks to being handicapped after Charlie gets hit by a car and has to be in a wheelchair.