Blogs

newsobserver.com blogs

What to Watch on Friday: Hello, is it Lionel Richie you're looking for?

Shark Tank (8pm, ABC) - Someone actually pitches a t-shirt product with inspirational messages that become visible when the wearer perspires. Hoping at least one of the messages is: "Hello. Is it me you're looking for?"

Who Do You Think You Are (8pm, NBC) - This episode is a repeat, but it's a good one, and since I'm declaring it unofficially "Lionel Richie Night" on Happiness is a Warm TV, I'm asking that you watch. Lionel Richie charts his family history by focusing on his grandmother's ancestry.

ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert (9pm, CBS) - The great Lionel Richie performs duets of his hits with Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Kenny Rogers. Other country stars -- like Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum -- perform Richie songs on their own.

Fairly Legal (9pm, USA) - Kate tries to help a bankrupt client, who is not Lionel Richie, and who is also dealing with a drug-dealer tenant.

Also tonight, Budget Blinds CEO Chad Hallock works undercover at his window-coverings company on CBS's "Undercover Boss" at 8 p.m. You know where budget blinds look really good? In a Brick House.

Goodnight everybody!

What to Watch on Sunday: Gervais sure to offend (again) as Golden Globes host

Golden Globe Awards (8pm, NBC) - Ricky Gervais hosts again, so tomorrow we can all get together and either rave or complain about the job he did, and discuss whether any rich, beautiful movie stars got their feelings hurt. Morgan Freeman gets the Cecil B. DeMille Award and Raleighite Evan Rachel Wood is up for a Supporting Actress award.

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - Emma tries to help two homeless siblings find their father before they're put into foster care and separated. In the fairy tale realm, the Evil Queen forces Hansel and Gretal to steal something from a blind witch.

Undercover Boss (8pm, CBS) - CBS's series of one-hour love letters to various giant corporations returns for its third season tonight, and by 9 p.m., we're all going to feel warm and cozy inside about the benevolent leaders of Diamond Resorts International and its CEO, Stephen J. Cloobeck. (I honestly hope these companies are paying CBS for their hour-long primetime commercials).

Napoleon Dynamite (8:30pm, Fox) - The premiere of a new animated series based on the hit movie, featuring the voices of the original movie cast. Amy Poehler has a guest performance in the opening episode. A second new episode airs at 9:30. Worth checking out? We have a review from a guest correspondent.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - Episode two of the second season continues with the estate being turned into a convalescent home for wounded veterans. In other news, Lavinia (right) and Sir Richard's secret comes out, and Anna locates Bates.

Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain (9pm, Comedy Central) - A comedy concert film featuring stand-up comic Kevin Hart performing on his highly successful "Laugh at My Pain" tour, which broke sales records formerly held by Eddie Murphy.

House of Lies (10pm, Showtime) - The owner of a major sports franchise is going through a messy divorce, so the team flies to Phoenix to help him smooth the rough spots.

What to Watch on Sunday: Goren and Eames return to "L&O:CI"

Madagascar (8pm, Animal Planet) - A new Animal Planet special in which conservationists examine the biodiversity of Madagascar and its unique plants and animals. Lemurs!!!

Undercover Boss (9pm, CBS) - The Season 2 finale features Tim White, the chancellor of University of California, who works undercover on his own campus.

Law & Order: Criminal Intent (9pm, USA) - Goren and Eames are back for the final season! In tonight's Season 10 premiere, the two beloved detectives team up to investigate the death of a call girl that takes a weird turn with a Charlie Sheen-type character (played by Jay Mohr). The probe soon leads to a hard-partying designer and the heads of a fashion house, who may have gone to great lengths to protect the business.

Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - On one hand, Donald Trump. On the other hand, NeNe Leakes to Star Jones: "You talked a good game, now bring your street game. Now, where's Barbara Walters?" I'm sorry. I have to watch.

Who Killed Chandra Levy (9pm, TLC) - TLC calls this a "docudrama" about the 2001 disappearance and death of Washington, D.C. intern Chandra Levy.

South Riding (9pm, UNC-TV) - 'Upstairs Downstairs' just ended and already Masterpiece Theatre has a new three-part series to keep us hungry for British culture. Tonight is part one of an adaptation of Winifred Holtby's 1936 novel about a teacher (Maxwell Martin, left)) who returns home to Yorkshire to apply for the headmistress position at a girls' school, and butts heads with a landowner (David Morrissey) who dislikes her social agenda and pacifist views. You can watch a preview of 'South Riding' at PBS.org.

In Plain Sight (10pm, USA) - In the Season 4 premiere, Mary seeks help from a witness to help clear Brandi of grand theft auto charges.

The Killing (10pm, AMC) - A suspect's family, neighbors and friends are grilled by Sarah and  Holder. Rosie's funeral is held, and Stan intensifies his own investigation into his daughter's murder.

Brothers & Sisters (10pm, ABC) - Sarah confronts Brody over the fact that he's her real father, which creates a dilemma for Nora, who is in love with him.

Treme (10pm, HBO) - Toni helps a Massachusetts man who wants to know what happened to his son after Katrina, and Albert plans to cook a Thanksgiving turkey whether or not he has a place to do it.

What to Watch on Sunday: American Music Awards, 'Luther' finale

American Music Awards (8pm, ABC) - Winners at this 38th annual awards gala are determined by fan votes. The most interesting/saddest performance tonight could be New Kids on the Block performing with Backstreet Boys. Also scheduled to perform: Christina Aguilera, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Bon Jovi, Miley Cyrus, Diddy-Dirty Money, Ke$ha, Ne-Yo, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Usher.

Sandra Brown's Smoke Screen (8pm, Lifetime Movie) - A reporter (Jaime Pressly) and a fireman (Currie Graham) work together to clear their names after finding themselves, years apart, in the similar situation of waking up next to a dead body and having no recollection of what happened. See our review.

Undercover Boss (9pm, CBS) - The director of development for Subway restaurants goes undercover to finally fulfill his dream of being a sandwich artist.

Sarah Palin's Alaska (9pm, TLC) - The Palins take a road trip to Homer, Alaska, and later, Sarah and Bristol go deepsea fishing. Here's a gallery of outdoorsy photos from the show.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Nucky circles the wagons in his escalating feud with Arnold Rothstein, who rebukes the D'Alessio gang for a recently botched assassination attempt on Nucky. Also, Van Alden shows signs of cracking as his investigation begins to unravel, and Margaret celebrates the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter and Lumen (Julia Stiles) are on the hunt for a new victim but get sidetracked by the arrival of a surprise visitor. Meanwhile, as a result of fallout from the Santa Muerte case, Debra gets reassigned to the file room, where she is still able to dig up new evidence in the Barrel Girl investigation.

Luther (10pm, BBC America) - Luther is framed for murder in the Season 1 finale, and crazy Alice (left) is the only person he can turn to for help. But he's still not sure he can trust her. Because she's crazy.

The Walking Dead (10pm, AMC) - Things are getting so good! Rick's mission to return to Atlanta may need to be aborted when he runs into some unforeseen problems (problems in addition to the, you know, flesh-eating zombies). Back at camp, Jim appears to be losing it.

"The Fairy Jobmother": A tough Mary Poppins for the unemployed

Let's just admit it: Problems are best solved by chubby British women.

They're clear-headed, no-nonsense tough love-types who will know that a few tips and some common sense are all Yankees need to get back on track.

My proof? "The Fairy Jobmother" (Lifetime, 11 tonight; 9 p.m. starting on Nov. 4), in which "international career specialist" Hayley Taylor comes in and help families struggling with unemployment.

The one-hour, eight-episode show is produced by the folks who bring us "Undercover Boss," (a nice counterpart, don't you think?), so it expect MOMENTS. You know tears, epiphanies, breakthroughs.

What to Watch on Sunday: NASCAR VP goes undercover

Bermuda Triangle Exposed (8pm, TLC) - A TLC special explores what's beneath the Bermuda Triangle. Then at 9pm, "Return to the Bermuda Triangle" gives another look at the mysterious area in the Atlantic Ocean where a number of boats and aircraft have purportedly disappeared without a trace. This one includes footage ofa  dive expedition in the area.

Undercover Boss (9pm, CBS) - NASCAR senior vice president Steve Phelps (left) works undercover with a pit crew and with a ground's crew preparing for the Daytona 500. Here's more on Phelps' appearance on the show from Sporting News.

Sherlock: A Study in Pink (9pm, UNC-TV) - This witty "Masterpiece Mystery" series reimagines the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle sleuth as a "high-functioning sociopath" (Benedict Cumberbatch) in modern-day London who draws Afghanistan war vet Watson (Martin Freeman) into his orbit when they're paired together as potential flatmates by a mutual acquaintance. The pair's first case involves suicides that stump Inspector Lestrade (Rupert Graves) and a mysterious man who calls himself Sherlock's "arch-enemy."

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter must deal with his unwanted conspirator while wondering if Rita's death and Harrison's exposure to it may have had a subconscious impact on the infant. Meanwhile, Quinn's suspension frees him up to look further into Dexter's background and possible involvement with the Trinity Killer case.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Nucky blames a recent robbery on the boardwalk on Lucky Luciano, who is also accused by Arnold Rothstein of being distracted from his current assignment. Also, Margaret benefits from her new relationship with Nucky, and Jimmy hatches a plan to give Johnny Torrio the upper hand in his escalating feud with Charlie Sheridan over Chicago's Greektown.

Luther (10pm, BBC America) - I hope everyone is watching this riveting British crime series (only six episodes) starring Idris Elba. Tonight, a sniper is targeting police officers, but his motive is unclear. Also, Alice reveals what she knows about Madsen's arrest and threatens to let Zoe in on Luther's secret.

Bored to Death (10pm, HBO) - A poet-limo driver and his wife need Jonathan's help to shore up their relationship, and newly successful Ray (Zach Galifianakis) has a meeting with Kevin Bacon.

What to Watch on Sunday: Chalky White wants revenge

Undercover Boss (9pm, CBS) - The CEO of DirecTV works undercover at his company and discovers that employees are spending their own money for a vital piece of work equipment. Gee. Wonder what that's like...

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - The exiled Jimmy makes the rounds with Al Capone in Chicago, though the two budding gangsters don't always agree on methods. Also, Lucky Luciano finds a surprise on a visit to Jimmy's apartment and Chalky White (Michael Kenneth Williams, right) tries to solve a murder.

Rubicon (9pm, AMC) - Believe it or not, last week's "Rubicon" had pulse-pounding action and suspsense. There are only two episodes left counting tonight's, in which API works with the FBI and CIA to stop a terrorist strike. Also, Kale Ingram turns to an unlikely source to try to keep Katherine out of harm's way. And we assume Will is now sleeping with one eye open.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter hires a nanny to free up his time to stalk murder suspects and potential victims. There are some really stunning moments in this episode, especially in the last 20 minutes. Don't miss!

Brothers & Sisters (10pm, ABC) - Is Kitty ready to move on after Robert's death? I mean, it's been two whole weeks. Tonight she meets a handsome handyman played by Jeremy Davidson. Also, the family plans a surprise birthday party for Sarah, but Luc is the one surprised when he learns her real age.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Don encounters an old friend while coping with disastrous events at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Also tonight, Sally (Kiernan Shipka, left) tries to get closer to Betty and her stepfather Henry. The words, "Betty, please be nice" jump to mind. After tonight, only one more episode this season.

Bored to Death (10pm, HBO) - The S&M case comes back to haunt Jonathan when he's kidnapped by a pair of thugs looking for the dungeon's computer hard drive. George (Ted Danson) gets some bad news from his urologist, but springs into action to help Ray (Zach Galifianakis) after getting the ransom call from Jonathan.

What to Watch on Sunday: Sunday favorites return

60 Minutes (7:30pm, CBS) - The 43rd season begins with a report by Lara Logan on the border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan and an interview with New Orleans Saint quarterback Drew Brees.

Amazing Race (8:30pm, CBS) - The 17th season begins in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with 11 teams flying to London.

Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - The 22nd-season premiere features cast members from "Glee" and "Flight of the Conchords" as Lisa attends a performing arts camp. Also returning tonight are "The Cleveland Show" (featuring the voice of Kanye West) and "Family Guy" (featuring James Woods and Ashley Tisdale).

Desperate Housewives (9pm, ABC) - For Season 7, Vanessa Williams joins the cast as Lynette's rich friend Renee Perry. Also, Paul Young returns to Wisteria Lane  after his release from prison, and he and his new wife move into Susan's house. Meanwhile, Susan is offered a job in the apartment building where she and Mike now live, and the newly single Bree is tempted by her handyman, played by Brian Austin Green.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - In Season 5, Dexter must deal with the aftermath of Rita's murder, making a decision that will impact many of those in his circle. Quinn concludes that Rita's death doesn't match Trinity's MO, and steps up to help Debra in a time of trouble. Here's our review of tonight's premiere.

Undercover Boss (9pm, CBS) - The new season starts with the CEO of Choice Hotels International taking on various jobs within his company.

                         Keep reading for more Sunday premieres!

Sr. VP of NASCAR goes undercover on CBS reality show

NASCAR Sr. Vice President Steve Phelps will appear on the upcoming season of the CBS reality show "Undercover Boss." Phelps is shown at left talking to race car driver Jimmie Johnson.

The NASCAR  headquarters is in Daytona Beach, Florida, but we all know NASCAR's heart is in Concord, N.C.

The CBS show features company executives who go "undercover" and take on a variety of entry-level jobs within their company to find out what's really going on there. Sometimes they meet inspirational workers, sometimes they encounter tyrannical middle management, and sometimes they see glaring problems that need to be fixed. The episodes usually end with the executive rewarding a few underappreciated employees for their good work or ideas.

What to Watch on Sunday: HBO's "Pacific" moves into 1944

Life (8pm, Discovery) - This week we look at birds (8pm) and creatures of the deep (9pm). 

The Pacific (9pm, HBO) - In part four, the 1st Marine Division fight the Japanese at Cape Gloucester on the island of New Britain in December 1943. In May 1944, the Marines recuperate at Pavuvu and Leckie is sent to a hospital for psychiatric observation.

Undercover Boss (9pm, CBS) - Roto-Rooter president Rick Arquilla goes undercover at his company.

Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - The teams have to create a display for a new amusement park attraction called "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." Personal attacks create divisions on the women's team. Sounds like they are still picking on poor Cyndi Lauper.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Skylar has kicked Walt out but he ignores her and moves back in, forcing her hand to get the authorities involved. Dodgy lawyer Saul (Bob Odenkirk) asks Jesse to persuade Walt to get back to cooking. 

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