It hasn't been officially confirmed but several web sites are reporting that former Carolina Hurricane and Lucky B's bar owner Bates Battaglia and his brother Anthony will be contestants on the new season of CBS' "The Amazing Race."

The competition reality show features couples of varied relationships racing around the world for a million-dollar prize. Battaglia, according to reports, was recognized as part of the cast when he was spotted at the airport in Los Angeles. The N&O hockey writer Chip Alexander also tweeted about it back in November.

Representatives from CBS refused to confirm or deny casting information until the teams are announced 'in the near future.' The show is scheduled to premiere on CBS on Feb. 17.

The Amazing Race (8pm, CBS) - The final four teams race through France and then fly to New York City, where they face a Houdini-inspired challenge before running to the finish line to claim the $1 million top prize. Still pulling for the Fabulous Beekman Boys (right)!

Bob's Burgers (8:30pm, Fox) - Gene gets his first girlfriend, but it doesn't take long for the family to realize that she is incredibly annoying, and they pressure him to break up with her.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - It's Christmastime, and Debra learns it may be better to receive when she gets a tip from Hannah's father -- one that could lead to incriminating Dexter in a crime. Meanwhile, Dexter discovers that the man behind his mother's death has been released from prison.

Christmas with Holly (9pm, ABC) - A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie about a coffee shop owner who is determined to connect with his orphaned niece in a quaint Washington state town, but their lives change with the arrival of a free-spirited woman who opens a toy store there just before Christmas. This will air on the Hallmark Channel later.  Adrienne reviews.

All About Christmas Eve (9pm, Lifetime) - A harried New York City party planner is invited on a romantic holiday vacation, but her company's top client needs her to organize a large Christmas Eve party in Los Angeles at the same time.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - Carrie's hunt for Nazir continues, but she suspects something's amiss  inside the agency. Also, an interrogation reveals Roya's true colors and unexpected circumstances put Saul's career in jeopardy.

Amazing Race 21 (8pm, CBS) - In the Season 21 opener, eleven two-member teams race around the world and vie for a $1 million grand prize. Of note this season (to me at least), is that the Fabulous Beekman Boys are racing.

Call the Midwife (8pm, UNC-TV) - The first episode of a new UK series about young midwives in 1950s-era East London. In tonight's first installment, the main heroine Jenny lee, arrives to work at a convent of nursing nuns, which is a far cry from the private hospital she expected. My review.

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - In the second season opener, the fairytale characters begin to remember their past lives, yet remain in the present. Meanwhile, magic enters the town thanks to Mr. Gold, and Prince Phillip awakens a beauty named Aurora.

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - The family heads to New York City for the Season 24 premiere, where Bart  searches for his lost love, Mary Spuckler.  "Bob's Burgers," "Family Guy" and "American Dad" all have season premieres tonight, too.

Revenge (9pm, ABC) - In the Season 2 premiere, Emily (Emily VanCamp, right) ponders her next move as the stakes get higher. (That's right, ABC isn't letting out any details about this episode, but from the photo released, it looks like Emily has a fight on the beach.)

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - The fourth season begins with Kalinda's estranged husband forcing his way back into her life, and Diane and Will trying to rescue the firm from financial ruin.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Season 7 picks up right where Season 6 ended: Debra catching Dexter in the act of murdering Travis. As if Dexter doesn't have enough problems, LaGuerta reopens the Bay Harbor Butcher case when new evidence surfaces. "Dexter" has a habit of waxing and waning from season to season, but from what I've seen so far, things seem to be on track for a really good one. The complex relationship between Dexter and Debra will be central this season. 

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - Judging from the first two episodes delivered by Showtime, Season 2 of the the Emmy-winning "Homeland" looks to be just as strong as ever.  In tonight's season premiere, Brody is offered a spot on a presidential ticket, and recovering Carrie receives a disturbing request from Saul. And the cliffhanger in week's episode will have your palms sweating, desperate for more.

666 Park Avenue (10pm, ABC) - A creepy new drama about a young couple who move into an exclusive Manhattan apartment building controlled by evil supernatural forces. Should you watch? Here's my review.

The Mentalist (10pm, CBS) - In the fifth season opener, Jane tries to uncover Lorelai's link to Red John, while the CBI team up with the FBI to investigate a hotel employee's homicide.

Also tonight, new episodes of "Copper" (10pm, BBC America), "Boardwalk Empire" (9pm, HBO) and "Treme" (10pm, HBO).

The Amazing Race (8pm, ABC) - The race continues in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where teams are required to use math skills at the world's largest cattle market.

The 84th Academy Awards (8:30pm, ABC) - The Red Carpet show starts at 7, but the actual awards aren't scheduled to begin until 8:30. Billy Crystal is back as host (his ninth time!), which could either be really cool or really lame. I'm nervous for him. Note: E! has a Red Carpet show starting at 5:30 and for those super-obsessed people, a Countdown to the Red Carpet that starts at 1:30. I'm doing a live recap here later tonight, so check back.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - A ridiculously tense and suspenseful episode tonight. Do not miss it. Most of the tension surrounds a showdown between Rick and Shane (right), which has been a looonnng time coming. It gave me a stomach ache from stress. Oh yeah, and there's also tons of zombie gore.

The Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - The teams produce and perform a medieval-theme show for an audience, but an insubordinate contestant and a serious injury mar the task. Note: Our "Celebrity Apprentice" recap will be late due to the Oscars telecast. Look for it by lunchtime Monday.

Luck (9pm, HBO) - Ace takes the reins when Escalante surprises Gus with his decision to race Pint of Plain with an inexperienced jockey in the horse's debut.

Eastbound & Down (10pm, HBO) - Kenny tracks down Stevie, who's working at Ashley Schaeffer's car dealership, when he heads north with the baby to find April.

Amazing Race (8pm, CBS) - The 20th season begins with eleven teams who gather in Santa Barbara, California and receive instructions to fly to Santa Barbara, Argentina.

Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - The latest season starts tonight with none other than Raleigh's own Clay Aiken competing. Other celebrities include Arsenio Hall, Lou Ferrigno, Dee Snider, Cheryl Tiegs, Debbie Gibson, Lisa Lampenelli, Penn Jillette, Adam Carolla, Michael Andretti, and George Takei. The first task of the season has teams running a midtown sandwich shop for a day. We'll post recaps of the major action from each episode here at Happiness is a Warm TV for at least as long as Clay sticks around.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - Season 2 concludes with the family gathering at Downton for Christmas and Bates on trial for the murder of Vera. Also, Matthew comes to terms with his guilt over Lavinia's death, Thomas connives to move up the ranks, and Edith reunites with a former suitor.

A Bernie Mac Tribute: 'I Ain't Scared of You' (10pm, Comedy Central) - A salute to the late Bernie Mac features footage from early performances and rembrances from family, friends and colleagues. Here's Adrienne's review.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - Rick, Glenn and Hershel find themselves trapped and facing a battle for survival against an army of foes, both dead and alive. Shane attempts to rescue Lori, but I think we can all agree it'd be best if he just left her on the road with the zombies.

Eastbound & Down (10pm, HBO) - In the Season 3 premiere, Kenny (Danny McBride) finds himself in Myrtle Beach as the closer for a minor league team, but he also has a reunion with April (Katy Mixon) for his son's first birthday in his North Carolina hometown. Read more about the third and final season of "Eastbound & Down."

Life's Too Short (10:30pm, HBO) - The premiere of a mockumentary following the life and career of actor and little person Warwick Davis, who plays a fictionalized version of himself. Created and written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who also appear in some of the episodes.

The Ride (8pm, Showtime) - A documentary following "Amazing Race" host Phil Keoghan on a grueling 40-day bike ride across America to raise $1 million for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Keoghan's adventure included a trip to the hospital, extreme exhaustion, drastic weight loss and a dangerous crash in Ohio.

My Cat From Hell (8pm, Animal Planet) - In the second season finale: an attack cat has a couple fearing for the safety of their two-year-old son, and two sphynx cats fight for control of their owners' house. There's a marathon of Season 2 episodes starting today at 3. Animal Plane recently announced the show will back for Season 3.

The Firm (9pm, NBC) - NBC has moved this struggling drama to Saturday nights, which is not a good sign ("Awake" will air in the old spot on Thursdays starting March 1). So if you're a fan, watch it while you still can. In tonight's episode, two brothers become codefendants in a case that forces Mitch to coax one to betray the other. Meanwhile, Tammy works on a cryptic clue in the Sarah Holt case.

Pit Boss (9pm, Animal Planet) - Two back-to-back new episodes for tonight's season finale. In the first episode, Shorty learns his secret memoir will be published so he must prepare his sister for the book's surprises about their family. In the 10 p.m. episode, Shorty agrees to be "roasted" at a fundraiser for rescue charities.

Saturday Night Live (11:29pm, NBC) - Maya Rudolph hosts and the music guest is Sleigh Bells.  So, there's basically no way Rudolph can do her excellent Whitney Houston impersonation now, right?

Also, the TechJunkie blog has info on three shows airing on the National Geographic Channel today about illegal street racing and auto theft.

The Christmas Pageant (8pm, Hallmark) - A hot-tempered theater director (Melissa Gilbert) from New York City reluctantly takes a job directing a small-town Christmas pageant. During her stay, she runs into an old flame (Robert Mailhouse) and begins to warm up to the townspeople and their traditions.

Amazing Race (8pm, CBS) - The final three teams finish the race in Atlanta, and one team claims the $1 million prize.

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - Someone in Storybrooke dies while another resident begins to remember the fairy tale past.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter develops a macabre scheme to apprehend the Doomsday Killers.

Real Deal (9pm, History) - Up for grabs tonight: a Harry Houdini autograph and "The Last Waltz" album autographed by Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Features Raleigh auctioneer Jason McCoon, Another episode airs at 9:30.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - In the Season 2 finale, Nucky's trial approaches and a broken Jimmy starts thinking about reconciling with his old mentor. Meanwhile, Margaret mulls an offer from Esther Randolph that will have momentous consequences. Last week's episode was crazy intense (and just plain crazy!), and tonight's season-ender should be as well.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - After the explosion, Saul finds a manic Carrie hospitalized and realizes there may be merit to her wild theories.

Luck (10pm, HBO) - A sneak peek at a new HBO drama series about the world of horse racing, focusing on owners, jockeys, trainers, and gambler. Stars Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, and Dennis Farina.

Hell on Wheels (10pm, AMC) - Durant challenges the Cheyenne to a competition in an effort to bring a halt to ongoing negotiations, while Elam and Cullen try to prevent bloodshed in town.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (8pm, ABC) - First Lady Michelle Obama appears in this Season 9 premiere, which features the residence for homeless female veterans in Fayetteville. The Steps-N-Stages Jubiliee house was founded by Navy veteran Barbara Marshall, and was renovated with the help of armed forces members and the Godfrey Group of Durham. Photos from the construction.

Amazing Race 19 (8pm, CBS) - The 19th season begins with 11 two-team members, including former "Survivor" winners Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca. The show introduces a new "hazard" penalty this season.

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - The Season 23 premiere has Homer involved in a terrorist plot and features Kiefer Sutherland as a security guard. Meanwhile, Marge dreams of being on "Top Chef," so Tom Colicchio lends his voice.

Cleveland Show (8:30pm, Fox) - In the Season 3 premiere, Cleveland is upset when Peter (Seth McFarlane) comes to town and doesn't look him up, she goes camping with Ric Flair.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Lots of trouble all around for Nucky Thompson in tonight's second season premiere. Nucky (Steve Buscemi) must try to play peacemaker after Chalky has a dangerous run-in with the KKK, and must also try to dodge the feds, who are still after him. Meanwhile, Al Capone looks to expand the illegal booze business in and around Chicago, and Agent Nelson Van Alden's wife comes for a visit.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Season 3 opens with Alicia defending a Muslim student accused of murdering a Jewish classmate. Look for the animosity between Alicia and Peter to heat up this season. And based on this new poster, look for the romance between Alicia and Will to heat up as well.

Desperate Housewives (9pm, ABC) - The eighth and final season begins with the ladies and Carlos trying to dispose of the body of Gaby's evil stepfather after Carlos killed him to protect Gaby.

Family Guy (9pm, Fox) - The Griffins are broke as Season 11 opens, but Peter has a plan to turn that around: the purchase of 200,000 lottery tickets.

American Dad (9:30pm, Fox) - In the seventh season premiere, Stan buys a singing hot tub. Cee-Lo Green provides his own voice and that of the hot tub.

Pan Am (10pm, ABC) - A new series following the adventures of stewardesses and pilots during the glamorous 1960s "Jet Age." The show is pretty to look at, but not much happens in the first episode. Still, I'm hopeful enough to watch at least once more (read my short review). Christina Ricci stars.

CSI: Miami (10pm, CBS) - The tenth season begins with Horatio bleeding from a gunshot wound and Natalia battling to free herself from the trunk of a submerged car, as the other CSIs try to capture an escaped murderer before he kills again.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - This isn't a premiere, but it's worth mentioning because it's the best thing on TV tonight (or any night). And we're getting close to the season winding down. Tonight, Walt makes moves to protect his secret and to protect Gus. Meanwhile, Skyler is further stymied in her attempt to help Ted with his financial problem.

Also tonight, a new season of "60 Minutes" (CBS, 7pm) begins, "Drop Dead Diva" (Lifetime, 9pm) season finale, and the second season of "The Great Food Truck Race" (Food, 9pm) ends.

ABC is debuting a new competition reality show tomorrow night. Fans of "Amazing Race" may find the premise a little familiar. Check out the preview below. It's hosted by Dave Salmoni, the lion guy from Animal Planet.

"Expedition Impossible" will air Thursday night at 9 p.m.

We've got two hours to finish "Unfinished Business" and the last four teams standing are all worthy.

First a glimpse at the past bad endings for the teams: For Team Aspie, it was the lost passport. For the sistah sisters, it was the need to pee. For the Globetrotters, it was a penalty. And the father & daughter failed despite prayer.

The Globetrotters leave the Matterhorn first, heading for the warmer climes of Rio. From there they are to take a tram to some famous steps and find a tile that looks like a route marker. They want to make it past this 11th leg because that's where they fell short last time.