Choose a blog

What to Watch on Thursday: Katie Couric wraps the year

Charlie Brown Christmas (8pm, ABC) - If you missed it last week, the 1965 animated classic is on again.

The Year with Katie Couric (9pm, ABC) - The prize for first year-end review of the end of the year goes to Katie Couric! Produced in conjunction with People magazine, topics range from the world's economic difficulties to the killing of Osama bin Laden to the Kardashians.

Selling Spelling Manor (9pm, HGTV) - Candy Spelling, widow of TV producer Aaron Spelling, leads of a tour of her 56,500-square-foot California mansion, which she sold this summer for $85 million (she was asking $150 million). Spelling downsized to a nice condo.  

Burn Notice (10pm, USA) - In the Season 5 finale, Michael receives his biggest CIA mission yet just as Anson's plans kick into high gear.

The Mentalist (10pm, CBS) - Jane almost drowns while investigating a fireman's murder, and he loses his memory, which reverts him back to his old con man personality.

Prime Suspect (10pm, NBC) - What's this?! An unaired "Prime Suspect"?! Yes, please! Jane investigates the death of a Jewish diamond dealer, and Matt surprises Jane with a celebration after he receives a big job.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Grimm' bonus on the schedule

Community (8pm, NBC) - In the show's annual Christmas episode, Greendale's choir director (Taran Killam) recruits the study group to fill in for the sidelined glee club. Though initially skeptical, the gang soon get in the spirit for the school's Christmas pageant.

Person of Interest (9pm, CBS) - Detective Carter is identified as a person of interest and Reese and Finch must save her without exposing themselves.

Bones (9pm, Fox) - The team discovers the death of a storm chaser may not have been caused by the tornado he ws following. Meanwhile, Booth becomes very  protective of Brennan at home and at work.

Grimm (10pm, NBC) - This is a new time for "Grimm," which is good for "Grimm" fans but sad for fans of "Prime Suspect," which used to sit in this spot. Tonight, a high school teacher's death kicks off an investigation that leads Nick (Dave Giuntoli, right) to a troubled musical prodigy. Another new episode of "Grimm" will air tomorrow night at 9 in its normal timeslot.

The Great Big American Auction (10pm, ABC) - I'm not exactly sure how he's qualified for this, but Ty Pennington helps the owners of rare collectibles uncover their items' worth, and the top items are then put in a bidding war at an auction.

Burn Notice (10pm, USA) - Jesse calls in the team to help stop a smuggler from bringing blood diamonds into the country. If I had to come up with one word to explain why I lost interest in this show, I'd point to the first one in this blurb.

What to Watch on Thursday: Treat yo self to some Tom Haverford

The Vampire Diaries (8pm, CW) - Rebekah opens up to Elena on the night of the homecoming dance. Also, Klaus puts his latest plan into action, but Damon enters into a dangerous partnership to stop him. My Morning Jacket perform.

Parks and Recreation (8:30pm, NBC) - Leslie hosts a Model United Nations at a Pawnee high school. Also, Ron searches for a replacement for Tom (Aziz Ansari, right) and Chris seeks Ann's advice on love after a date cancels on him.

Person of Interest (9pm, CBS) - Finch and Reese are puzzled when the machine turns up a deceased person of interest. Also, Finch reveals more about the machine's origin.

Bones (9pm, Fox) - A new squintern (Luke Kleintank) makes an immediate contribution to a case involving a death of a competitive eater, whose remains are indentified before a premiere event, but his delinquent past makes his welcome to the Jeffersonian a rude one. Meanwhile, Brennan's announcement about her baby irks Booth, and it challenges them to reconsider each otehr's perspective.

Prime Suspect (10pm, NBC) - Jane and Calderon investigate the death of a boy at an upscale preschool, and Rivera asks Duffy to accompany her on a robbery case.

Burn Notice (10pm, USA) - Michael's childhood friend is killed in a gang dispute, so Michael teams up with the victim's brother to exact revenge on the gang.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Bones' is back and it's baby time

The Vampire Diaries (8pm, CW) - Elena and Rebekah engage in a power struggle, until Rebekah reveals her family's ancient secrets and violent past with Klaus.

Parks and Recreation (8:30pm, NBC) - A local group predicts the end of the world is near, so Tom decides to throw a huge party and April helps Andy check items off his "bucket list."

Bones (9pm, Fox) - In the Season 7 premiere, the team investigate the death of a woman with a history of amnesia, disappearances and head trauma, and whose corpse is found in a shallow grave. Meanwhile, Booth and a pregnant Brennan discuss their living arrangements once the baby is born.

Grey's Anatomy (9pm, ABC) - George's mother (Debra Monk) returns to Seattle Grace after undergoing a botched surgery at another hospital, and the doctors reminisce about their late colleague.

Prime Suspect (10pm, NBC) - Duffy attempts to give a hit-and-run case to Jane when he thinks it can't be solved, and the clues in the case lead Jane and Evrard to a porn king.

Burn Notice (10pm, USA) - In the midseason premiere, Michael and Fiona plan to abduct a hacker in Puerto Rico to obtain his software, but the man has several other enemies to contend with.

The Mentalist (10pm, CBS) - A serial killer case hits close to home for Jane when he meets a blogger obsessed with the killer and who has devoted his life to finding the person.

The League (10:30pm, FX) - Jenny forgets a special anniversary she shares with Kevin, and Taco sets up an offline social network he calls My Face.

What to Watch on Thursday: Scared straight in Charlotte

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers must create outfits for series judge Nina Garcia, who will then sport the winning look at a big industry function. Fashion editor Joanna Coles and actress Kerry Washington are guest judges.

Do Something Awards (9pm, VH1) - Jane Lynch hosts the awards ceremony honoring social activism. Demi Lovato, Foster the People, and OneRepublic are slated to perform.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - A pharmaceuticals mogul hires Fiona and Jesse to do surveillance work for him, but he's hiding something about his business dealings. Elsewhere, Michael and Sam question a bomb maker tied to Max's murder.

Beyond Scared Straight (10pm, A&E) - In the show's second season opener, teens visit Mecklenberg County Jail in Charlotte. Teen troublemaker Jose goes head-to-head with terrifying inmates and Sgt. Garrett, one of the toughest female jail deputies in the show's history. When Jose refuses to follow an order, Sgt. Garrett makes it her mission to break him down. Here's a video sneak peek.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - Swarek runs a stakeout to keep an Asian gang from killing an informant, and Dov and Gail are assigned to assist him. Meanwhile, Andy and Chris join the Division 27 rookies in an equine competition.

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Two new back-to-back episodes tonight. Mary Steenburgen guest stars in the first as Ryan's nutty  mother, who moves in with him after spending 20 years in a "wellness center" and bonds with Wilfred immediately.

Louie (11pm. FX) - Louie takes his daughters trick-or-treating and meets a Hollywood mogul.

What to Watch on Thursday: A winner on 'So You Think You Can Dance'

So You Think You Can Dance (8pm, Fox) - The winner for Season 8 is chosen in part two of the season finale.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers must make garments for stilt-walking models. Later, they showcase their fashions in an outdoor runway show. Kim Kardashian is the guest judge.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Michael and Jesse go on an extraction mission on a Caribbean island but end up trapped there by mercenaries. Meanwhile, Fiona tries to get information out of an ex by doing a favor for him.

Sweet Home Alabama (9pm, CMT) - Devin goes to her hometown of Tuscaloosa, where she and her suitors volunteer to help with cleaning up tornado damage.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - The division is quarantined when a suspect presumed drunk collapses due to an unknown disease. Elsewhere, a bank robbery suspect is apprehended covered in blue dye, but the officers have trouble finding his violent accomplice.

Futurama (10pm, Comedy Central) - Fry's care for an alien egg doesn't pay off when it hatches into a horrible monster.

What to Watch on Thursday: Spotlight on music titan Quincy Jones

Expedition Impossible (9pm, ABC) - Wading through a treacherous river canyon, rappelling down a 300-foot waterfall, and baring all to master the art of henna are among the challenges contestants face in tonight's episode.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Michael takes part in a CIA murder investigation. Elsewhere, the team helps a former Army sniper who's looking to avenge his sister's injury.

Swamp People (9pm, History) - In the second season finale, hunters scramble to fill their remaining traps, and there are rumors of a monster gator in the area. Meanwhile, a storm is blowing in from the Gulf.

CNBC Titans: Quincy Jones (10pm, CNBC) - The financial network profiles Quincy Jones (right), the jazz musician-composer-producer who became the first high-level black executive at a major record company when he signed on with Mercury records in 1961. The profile includes his work with Michael Jackson and his forays into film and TV productions.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - Dov and Chris get a tip on a meth house that puts them in harm's way. Meanwhile, Jo (evil!) talks Luke into helping her on a surveillance job, which brings up old issues between them).

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Ryan volunteers at a hospice, but it's Wilfred who turns out to have a talent that's much in demand there. This gives Wilfred to make demands of his own.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie (the Emmy-nominated Louis CK) takes his daughters to visit his great aunt.

What to Watch on Thursday: A big night of summer premieres

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - In the Season 5 premiere, Michael works with his old agency to go after the people who burned him in a case that leads the group to Venezuela.

Expedition Impossible (9pm, ABC) - The debut of an ambitious new reality competition show hosted by adventurer Dave Salmoni (you may have seen him living with lions on Animal Planet). The new show is part "Survivor" and part "Amazing Race," featuring 13 three-person teams of ordinary people who go on grueling missions in Morocco. In tonight's opener, the teams tackle the Sahara desert and the cliffs of Todra Gorge before one team is eliminated. The eventual winning team gets $150,000 to split three ways, which I have to admit sounds a little cheap on the part of ABC.

Shotgun Red Variety Hour (9:30pm, RFD) - Don't forget to tune in for Garner's Gerald Goodwin!

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - In the Season 2 premiere of this Canadian police drama, a shooting at a concert rattles Andy and causes conflict with Det. Jo Rosati. Also, sparks fly between Rosati and her former partner, Luke.

Suits (10pm, USA) - In the premiere of a new legal drama, successful lawyer Harvey Specter hires a brilliant college dropout as a new associate at a top law firm, despite the fact that the associate doesn't have a law degree. Both men must conceal that fact from their coworkers in order to work together. Here's our review.

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - A strange new sitcom about a depressed young man (Elijah Wood) who befriends his neighbor's dog, Wilfred. Wilfred looks like a dog to everyone else, but to Wood's character, he's a gruff Australian man in a dog suit. It's funny and crude. Check out our review.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - In the second season premiere of Louis C.K.'s sharp semi-autobiographical comedy series, Louie's sister shows up unexpectedly with some unexpected news.

Kings of Pastry (2am, UNC-TV) - The 24th season of the Point of View documentary series premieres with the Chris Hegedus-D.A. Pennebaker film about the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France pastry competition in Lyons. It will also air Friday night at 11pm on UNC-MX.

"Suits" isn't custom, but it's tailor made for USA

"Suits" (10 tonight, USA) is one of those shows that you've seen before, but you might enjoy anyway.

Indeed, you've probably seen it on USA; plot-wise it's kin to "Burn Notice," "White Collar" and "Covert Affairs" (it shares that last show's two executive producers).

Like those shows, "Suits" is the story of a nice guy stuck in a bad situation; Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) is bright and has the ability to remember anything he reads. Still, because of bad choices, he's reduced to making money by taking tests for those who aren't as smart. Meanwhile, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) is a wealthy, arrogant attorney, who will close a deal by any means necessary. He's about to make senior partner, much to the chagrin of his nemesis Louis (Rick Hoffman).

What to Watch on Sunday: Fantasy series 'Game of Thrones' hits HBO

Game of Thrones (9pm, HBO) - Winter is coming. In the premiere of this 10-episode adaptation of author George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" medieval fantasies, King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) journeys north to offer Lord Ned Stark (Sean Bean, right) an important position in his court after the death of a trusted mentor. Meanwhile, the exiled Prince Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd) uses his sister, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), as a pawn in his plot to return to power. If you need some help, here's a background primer from Salon.com (but beware of spoilers).

TV Land Awards (9pm, TV Land) - In the ninth annual ceremony, Regis Philbin receives the Legend Award, 'Facts of Life' gets the Pop Culture Award, and 'The Cosby Show' is presented with the Impact Award. Also, the cast of 'Welcome Back, Kotter' is feted with the 35th Anniversary Award.

Upstairs Downstairs (9pm, UNC-TV) - In part two of three, Hallam's diplomatic skills are tested by Lady Agnes and Maud, whose relationship has yet to thaw. Meanwhile, a Jewish-German refugee (Helen Bradbury) is hired as a maid, and Lady Persie falls under the sway of a British fascist politician. Last week's premiere episode was the highest rated Masterpiece installment in PBS history.

Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe (9pm, USA) - This 'Burn Notice' prequel movie recounts how Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell) uncovers deep levels of deception while working on a military mission in Colombia. His discoveries prompt him to reconsider his career. Directed by 'Burn Notice' star Jeffrey Donovan.

Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - The teams must create and present a 20-minute cooking demonstration for a steak company. Problems include a project manager who doesn't eat meat, an overworked team member, and a heated boardroom exchange. Plus, there's all those crazy people being manipulated by an Oompa Loompa puppet master.

Audrina (9pm, VH1) - In the opener of a new reality series that follows former 'Hills' star Audrina Patridge, a Audrina goes to Palm Springs for a bikini calendar shoot.

Saddle Ranch (9:30pm, VH1) - Another new reality series, this time about a group of young people working at a restaurant on the Sunset Strip while waiting for their big break in show business.

Brothers & Sisters (10pm, ABC) - Nora decides to follow her heart with Brody, even though it's not a popular decision among her kids. Also, Sarah and Luc considering adding to their family.

Cars View All
Find a Car
Go
Jobs View All
Find a Job
Go
Homes View All
Find a Home
Go

Want to post a comment?

In order to join the conversation, you must be a member of newsobserver.com. Click here to register or to log in.
Advertisements