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What to watch on Thursday: Katie Couric profiles our dear Regis

Regis Philbin: The Morning Maestro (8pm, ABC) - In a special edition of "20/20," Katie Couric profiles Regis Philbin, who retires tomorrow as cohost of "Live with Regis and Kelly" after 28 years on the show. Things to look forward to: Regis takes Katie to the Bronx neighborhood where he grew up, including a special ceremony at Cardinal Hayes Memorial High School, and the two have snacks at Conti's Bakery with Regis' childhood pal, Freakin' Finelli. No more Regis in the morning? Oh, the pain!!

Community (8pm, NBC) - Dean Pelton directs a commercial starring the study group and a collection of the school's most colorful characters. Even better, Abed shoots a behind-the-scenes documentary of the entire affair.

Private Practice (9pm, ABC) - In a special 2-hour chunk of "Private Practice," Amelia's colleagues stage an intervention when she returns home from a drug binge, and Pete and Violet's marriage reaches a tipping point.

Bones (9pm, Fox) - A toy company CEO (Morgan Fairchild) grants Booth and Sweets access to its top-secret lab after the remains of a female executive are discovered in a shrink-wrapped doll.

Whitney (9:30pm, NBC) - Whitney and Alex attempt to adopt a dog, but have problems with the dog shelter owner, who is played by comedian Lisa Lampanelli.  

Prime Suspect (10pm, NBC) - Jane and Reg investigate the murders of a young girl's parents, whose bodies were found in a hotel room.

NC woman shows off her after look on 'Regis & Kelly'

A local woman who got an "ambush makeover" via the "Live with Regis & Kelly" show revealed her new look this morning.

In a word: Wow. Tonya Braswell of the Battleboro community in Rocky Mount looked great in a sleeveless faux wrap shift dress with ruching, that showed off her slim figure. "The Fashion Guy" Lawrence Zarian also helped Braswell with a new 'do. Her hair was cut, colored and styled in a flattering layered look. (Here's her "before" shot.) The show airs weekdays at 9 on WTVD.

Braswell is a 1st grade teacher and single mother of three, who was secretly entered into the show's "Rescue Me Ambush Makeover" week contest by her friend Laura Hoarty.

Rocky Mount, can you handle this red hot mama?

Photo by Disney-ABC Domestic TV/ Lou Rocco

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.

Charlotte firefighter cooks for "Regis & Kelly"

Charlotte is still dominating in the made-up contest in my mind in which they battle Raleigh for having the most people appearing on national television shows. 

This time it's Charlotte firefighter Jeff Nixon, whose recipe for Stuffed Mango Pork Loin got enough viewer votes online to earn him a trip to Friday's "Live with Regis & Kelly" show.

Nixon will appear on the show to prepare his dish and then go on to compete against other firefighters for a $10,000 grand prize and a spot in an upcoming edition of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Click below to see Jeff's submission video to "Live."

"Live with Regis & Kelly" airs at 9am on WTVD.

Letterman making rare live talk show appearance

David Letterman is making a rare live appearance on a talk show Friday morning, when he shows up to chat with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa on "Live with Regis and Kelly."

Letterman has appeared on that show once before, in 2007 when Regis returned to work after having open heart surgery. Letterman also appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2007. It's hard to come up with another talk show appearance for Letterman (outside of his own show) in recent years, but Regis is a frequent guest on Letterman's "Late Show."

"Live with Regis and Kelly" airs Monday through Friday at 9am on WTVD.

Regis returns to "Live" Monday morning

Great news -- Regis Philbin will return to "Live with Regis and Kelly" on Monday morning.

The 78-year-old chat show icon is making a pretty quick recovery since his December 1 hip replacement surgery. He even called in to "The Late Show with David Letterman" a few weeks ago to deliver the Top Ten List

Some of Regis's guests when he rejoins co-host Kelly Ripa this week will include "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe, Amy Adams, Jenna Elfman, Tim Allen, Chesley B. Sullenberger, Chris Meloni, and Katharine McPhee.

 

Regis Philbin to undergo hip replacement surgery

Beloved (by me, anyway) talk show host Regis Philbin announced on his show this morning that he will undergo hip replacement surgery next Tuesday, December 1.

The 78-year-old host hurt his hip several months ago taping a segment for the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" primetime special. Regis slipped off the podium and hurt himself, and has been complaining about hip pain on "Live with Regis and Kelly" ever since. He will take a leave of absence from the show and return some time in early 2010. 

I suspect the hip trouble is one reason why Regis wasn't busting it too hard in his Halloween Beyonce video

Regis, who holds the Guinness World Record for the most time spent in front of a television camera, underwent triple bypass surgery in March of 2007.

Good luck Regis, and hurry back! 

What to Watch on Monday: "Jon & Kate" wraps up NC trip

Teen Choice Awards (8pm, Fox) - The Jonas Brothers host and perform at this 11th annual awards show honoring entertainment, sports, and fashion. Miley Cyrus appears, naturally. And Britney Spears receives the Ultimate Choice Award. Tons of celebrities will appear, ranging from Jordin Sparks to Hugh Jackman.

Who Wants to be a Millionaire (8pm, ABC) - Night two. Celebrity contestant is Vanessa Williams, celebrity lifeline is George Stephanopoulos

Jon & Kate Plus 8 (9pm, TLC) - Kate and the kids wrap up their North Carolina vacation and return home to their renovated kitchen. 

The Closer (9pm, TNT) - A dead body is shipped to the police station in a large box, and Brenda's visiting niece (played by Sosie Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick's real life daughter with husband Kevin Bacon) stirs up trouble.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (10pm, Bravo) - In the season 5 finale, Kathy learns she's going to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That is, if you consider Palm Springs to be the same as Hollywood.

What to Watch on Sunday: Regis, Shark Tank, Joan Rivers Roast

Who Wants to be a Millionaire (8pm, ABC) - Regis Philbin is back with the hit that started the big prime time game show craze in 1999. Tonight kicks off the first in 11 straight nights of prime time "Millionaire" action, as the show celebrates its 10th anniversary with an updated ("improved," says Regis) format. Both celebrities and non-celebrities compete for cash. Katy Perry plays and Sam Donaldson serves as a lifeline.

Joan Rivers Comedy Central Roast (9pm, Comedy) - Kathy Griffin hosts a roast of comedian Joan Rivers and trust me, it's gonna get U-G-L-Y.

Shark Tank (9pm, ABC) - A Cary businessman is one of several entrepreneurs who do their best to convince a panel of billionaires to invest in their idea or their company. 

Law & Order: Criminal Intent (9pm, NBC) - Tonight is the season 8 finale (finale!? too soon! too soon!), and it's a Goldblum episode. The plot sounds complicated - somehow the kidnapping and murder of a bank executive leads to something about a terrorist plot. Who cares. It's Goldblum. Also, don't miss a season 8 marathon on USA beginning this morning at 10am and lasting till 6pm.

WTVD anchor could spend a day with Regis

Today on Live! with Regis and Kelly, WTVD anchor Tisha Powell got a shout-out and some good news.

Powell is a finalist in the show's "From Local to LIVE Co-Host for a Day" search. She anchors the 5 & 5:30 p.m. news on WTVD and the 10 p.m. broadcast on CW22.

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