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Cupcakes get scary, tensions mount in Zombieville

Last updated Sunday, February 26, 2012 - 8:33am

Don't Miss

"The 84th Annual Academy Awards" -- It's Billy Crystal to the rescue. The genial comedian returns to host the Oscar telecast, stepping in for Eddie Murphy, who flaked out back in November. It will be Crystal's ninth time as emcee (second only to Bob Hope's 19), but his first in nearly a decade. So expect a return of his popular opening monologue where he inserts himself into scenes of the nominated movies. As for the films themselves, it's shaping up to be a big night for "The Artist," a delightful production that proved you don't have to talk a lot to make a good impression. Now, if only the winners would keep that in mind when they make their acceptance speeches. 6:30 p.m. Sunday, KTVX Channel 4.

Best bets:

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'Downton Abbey,' 'Simpsons' 500th, 'Glee' heads for hiatus

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, February 19, 2012 - 8:42am

Don't miss

"Downton Abbey" -- Expect all the soapy shenanigans to reach a boiling point in the Season 2 finale of this ceaselessly addictive costume drama. The two-hour episode has the family gathering to celebrate Christmas and welcome the new year (1920). But not all is bliss as poor Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) is on trial for the murder of his wretched ex-wife. Meanwhile, we continue to wonder if Mary (Michelle Dockery) will throw over Sir Richard (Iain Glen) and pledge her true love to hunky Matthew (Dan Stevens). Who knows where that plot line will go, but judging from the preview footage, Matthew and Richard are set to duke it out. 8 p.m. today, KUED Channel 7.

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Grammys awarded, dogs on show, hellish felines on prowl

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, February 12, 2012 - 8:34am

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"The 54th Annual Grammy Awards" -- It's shaping up to be a huge night for Adele, who not only is expected to make off with a boatload of trophies, but also sing in public for the first time since having vocal cord surgery. As usual, the performances will undoubtedly overshadow the prizes. Among the big names taking the stage will be Paul McCartney, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Tony Bennett and more. LL Cool J hosts the festivities from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Sunday, KUTV Channel 2.

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Super Bowl kicks off; 'Voice,' 'Swamp People' return

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, February 5, 2012 - 8:36am

Don't miss

Super Bowl XLVI -- Are you ready for some football? It's America's day of gridiron gluttony -- when something like a gazillion viewers tune in to see big, sweaty men frolic on plastic grass. But even if you don't have your head in the game, there are plenty of things to watch besides the New England Patriots and New York Giants. Highlights include all those wacky, high-priced commercials and the halftime festivities with Madonna rocking the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth will call the play-by-play, but not before hours upon hours of monotonous pre-game blather. 4 p.m. today, KSL Channel 5.

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Football injuries probed, 'Glee' celebrates MJ

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, January 29, 2012 - 5:39pm

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"Big Hits, Broken Dreams" -- As the Super Bowl approaches, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores the growing concern over football-related concussions and brain injuries in this revealing documentary. Gupta, a practicing neurosurgeon, spent the 2011 season with a Greenville, N.C., high school team still shaken by the 2008 death of a star running back who had suffered repeated concussion injuries. The program explores what happens to the brain under concussive conditions, and what parents, coaches and athletes need to know in order to protect themselves. 9 p.m. today, CNN.

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Keifer Sutherland returns in 'Touch'; 'Chuck' bows out

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, January 22, 2012 - 6:19am

Don't miss

"Touch" -- So much for Jack Bauer. Kiefer Sutherland returns to television, playing a man dramatically different from the amped-up federal agent he embodied for eight years in "24." Now, Sutherland is Martin Bohm, a widower and single father exasperated by an inability to connect with his 11-year-old mute son (David Mazouz). But a major breakthrough occurs when he discovers that the boy possesses a gift of incredible genius: the ability to see things that no one else can in life's everyday patterns. The gift begins to manifest itself in strange cases, involving people across the globe who are connected in ways they never knew. Both compelling and inspiring, "Touch" quickly gets you in its grasp. 8 p.m. Wednesday, KSTU Channel 13.

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'Firm' premieres; Billy the Kid profiled; '30 Rock' returns

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, January 8, 2012 - 8:42am

Best bets

* "The Firm" is a new TV drama that picks up 10 years after the events established in the John Grisham novel and the subsequent movie. Stepping in for Tom Cruise is Josh Lucas as attorney Mitchell McDeere. 8 p.m. today, KSL Channel 5.

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Haggard, Busey swapping wives, 'Bachelor' woos, 'Liars' returns

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, January 1, 2012 - 9:07am

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"Celebrity Wife Swap" -- We're usually among the first to decry the relentless barrage of celebrities in reality TV. And we certainly don't expect this potential train wreck to contain even a hint of redeeming value. But the very idea that disgraced evangelist Ted Haggard will trade significant others and house rules with freaky actor Gary Busey makes it just too kooky to resist. Other oddball swapping couples include Tracey Gold and Carnie Wilson, Flavor Flav and Dee Snider, and Nicey Nash and Tina Yothers. Let the slack-jawed gawking begin. 8 p.m. Tuesday, KTVX Channel 4.

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CBS
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, actress Meryl Streep, singer and songwriter Neil Diamond (back, from left), saxophonist and composer Sonny Rollins and singer Barbara Cook (front, from left) receive honors for 2011 on The 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, airing at 8 p.m. Tuesday on KUTV Channel 2.

2012 celebrated, Kennedy Center honors five superstars

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, December 25, 2011 - 10:30pm

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New Year's Eve celebrations --So you can't make it to that big noisy, sweaty bash this year? No problem, you can party down on Saturday night from the comfort of your couch as TV rings in 2012. (Just remember to vacuum up the confetti in the morning.) Among the festive telecasts is "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2012" (9 and 11:30 p.m., KTVX Channel 4), which has the guys celebrating with Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Florence + The Machine and others. Meanwhile, on "New Year's Eve With Carson Daly" (9 and 11:30 p.m., NBC), our host is joined in Times Square by JB Smoove, Amy Robach and Drake. In addition, there's "New Year's Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin" (9 p.m., CNN), featuring our favorite TV odd couple, and "MTV's New Year's Eve Bash 2012" (11 p.m., MTV), hosted by Demi Lovato and "Teen Wolf" star Tyler Posey.

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ABC
Eric Stonestreet, Barbara Walters and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (from left) on the 19th annual edition of “Barbara Walters Presents the 10 Most Fascinating People 2011.” Stonestreet and Ferguson play Cameron and Mitchell on the hit television series “Modern Family.”

Jerry Lewis profiled, Barbara Walters' 'Fascinating People' airs

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, December 11, 2011 - 12:32pm

Don't miss

"Jerry Lewis: Method To The Madness" -- This lively profile examines the show-biz legend from a fresh perspective. Lewis, now 85, looks back at his career as a comedian, actor and filmmaker via a series of candid interviews that cover everything from his roots in vaudeville and his big-screen hits to his fruitful and turbulent relationship with singer Dean Martin. The documentary benefits greatly from never-before-seen footage and the contributions of many big-name Lewis admirers, including Carol Burnett, Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, Quentin Tarantino, Chevy Chase, John Landis, Carl Reiner and Steven Spielberg. 8 p.m. Saturday, Encore.

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'Cupcake Wars' returns, Christmas specials abundant

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 12:25pm

Best bets

* And so, in this holiday season, we ask: Why can't all our wars be "Cupcake Wars"? More calories, but less bloodshed. A new season begins tonight. 9 p.m. today, Food Network.

* Oh great, here's a show that will make us feel even more inferior. "Celebrity Holiday Homes" invites viewers into the lavishly decorated abodes of Jordin Sparks, Kurt Warner and Eva LaRue. 9 p.m. today, HGTV.

* Haven't we handed out enough trophies to country music singers already? Apparently not.

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Rockefeller Center lights tree; 'Sing-Off' champion crowned

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 1:03pm

Don't miss

"Christmas In Rockefeller Center" -- There are some who believe that the holiday season doesn't hit full stride until they light up the big tree in the Big Apple. This year's 79th annual ceremony -- hosted by Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie -- features an array of musical guests performing seasonal classics and current hits. Among those scheduled to appear are Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Michael Buble, Cee Lo Green, Faith Hill, Carole King and The Radio City Rockettes. 8 p.m. Wednesday, KSL Channel 5.

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Macy's parade features Neil Diamond, Muppets, more

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 2:49pm

Don't miss

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade -- For many of us, this week's holiday will be marked by an abundance of TV football and gastronomical gluttony. But it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the massive march through the streets of Manhattan. Now in its 85th year, the parade again will be studded with all kinds of stars, including Neil Diamond, Mary J. Blige, "American Idol" champ Scotty McCreery, the Muppets, and, of course, Santa Claus. But the real attraction, as always, are those humongous balloon creatures, which boggle the eyes and serve as a reminder not to bloat out at the dinner table. 7 a.m. Thursday, KSL Channel 5.

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Regis Philbin signs out; Sawyer lands Giffords

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, November 13, 2011 - 3:41pm

Don't miss

"Live With Regis And Kelly" -- OK, so he's not Oprah, but Regis Philbin is, nevertheless, a heavy hitter in the world of daytime television. And now, after 28 years of hosting morning chat fests, he's calling it quits. "Live" will fete the lovable crank throughout the week with some of Reege's favorite guests and friends, including David Letterman, Don Rickles, Jimmy Fallon and former sparring partner Kathie Lee Gifford. The shows will also feature musical tributes each day with the likes of Tony Bennett and Josh Groban.

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'Once Upon a Time' charms; what's with the rubbber suit on 'American Horror Story'?

Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times

Last updated Sunday, November 6, 2011 - 11:25am

Other bets

* "Once Upon a Time" has the looks of a freshman hit. The ambitious fantasy series continues with a flashback to the first meeting between Snow White and Prince Charming (Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas). 7 p.m. today, KTVX Channel 4.

* Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King team up to host "Black Girls Rock!" It's a star-studded gala celebrating exceptional women of color in business, politics, entertainment, sports and community service. 9 p.m.

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