(ALL TIMES ET)

9PM, SUN | FOOD NETWORK
Chopped All-Stars – In part two of the five-part all-star competition, four Food network stars – including Duff Goldman and Robert Irvine – delve into the mystery baskets, which, in the dessert round, includes jelly beans and fennel.

9PM, SAT | CMT
Ron White’s Comedy Salute to the Troops – With troops from Camp Pendleton in attendance, Ron White hosts and Lewis Black and Rascal Flatts are among the performers in this concert, with proceeds benefitting the Armed Forces Foundation.

9:30PM, SAT | HBO
Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV – The fast-paced doc chronicles the fast-paced UNLV men’s basketball program under Coach Jerry Tarkanian, which netted a national championship and the constant scrutiny of the NCAA.

10PM, SAT | SCIENCE CHANNEL – 1ST SEASON FINALE
An Idiot Abroad – Karl returns home from his ’round the world journey, and Ricky and Stephen are waiting to find out what (if anything) he’s learned.

11:30PM, SAT | NBC
Saturday Night Live – Zach Galifianakis hosts, Jessie J is musical guest and, if there is a comedy god, Stefon (Bill Hader) will make an appearance during Weekend Update.

8PM, SUN | SUNDANCE – 2ND SEASON FINALE
Brick City – Mayor Booker wins re-election in the season ender, but the celebration is short-lived as his city’s money woes continue and his proposed budget doesn’t get the vote of the city council.

9PM, SUN | VH1
40 Most Shocking Breakups – If Tiger and Elin and Sandra and Jesse aren’t numero uno, they’ve gotta be near the top, no?

9PM, SUN | HBO
Big Love – Heading into next Sunday’s series finale, the family has to worry about Alby, Rhonda, Margene, Barb’s new church and Cara Lynn and her teacher. And it’s leading up to what will include at least one shocker in the big wrap-up next week.

9PM, SUN | NBC
The Celebrity Apprentice – Writing a children’s book seems like an innocent enough task, but this group of goofy celebs manages to turn it into a drama-ridden exercise. Oh, Gary Busey.

9PM, SUN | TLC – 2ND SEASON PREMIERE
Sister Wives – What happened after the real-life Big Love types outed themselves as polygamists in the premiere season? We get the scoop in the season two premiere, as Kody and his wives travel to New York to do the talk show circuit.

10PM, SUN | BRAVO
The Real Housewives of Orange County – Gretchen begins to wonder if marrying Slade is a good idea. Duh, losing!

Worth flipping to during commercials:
– It’s up to Kel Mitchell and Nia Peeples to save the world from an alien invasion in Battle of Los Angeles (Sat., 9PM, Syfy);
– Bobby Flay samples the most delicious foods of Ireland in Bobby’s Ireland (Sat., 9PM, Food Network);
– The Biebs and Natasha Bedingfield make guest appearances during the Rascal Flatts: Nothng Like This concert in Minnesota (Sat., 9PM, ABC);
– In back-to-back episodes of Til Debt Do Us Part (Sat., 10PM, CNBC), Gail helps one couple who, with their four children, are about to face foreclosure, plus a newlywed couple with two kids;
– The Amazing Race (Sun., 8PM, CBS) continues in China;
– The 10 finalists have to create a logo, hire a chef and feed thousands of people at CityWalk in Hollywood on America’s Next Great Restaurant (Sun., 8PM, NBC);
– John Salley hosts the Basketball Wives Reunion Special (Sun., 8PM, VH1). a.k.a. Ev and Tami, the rematch;
– Ruby (Sun., 8PM, Style) spirals into a depression after finding letters she wrote to herself as a teenager;
– Homer becomes a part of the comedy team Cheech and Chunk on The Simpsons (Sun., 8PM, Fox);
– Claudia Joy graduates and gets a big job offer on Army Wives (Sun., 9PM, Lifetime);
– On Californication (Sun., 9PM, Showtime), Hank’s trial begins, as does the parade of witnesses who, in telling the truth, paint a not-so-favorable portrait of Mr. Moody;
– David remakes a belly dancer’s wedding on My Fair Wedding With David Tutera (Sun., 9PM, WE);
– The team has to track down a bad dude who likes to kidnap and torture women on Breakout Kings (Sun., 10PM, A&E);
– Series star Adam Rodriguez wrote and directed this episode of CSI: Miami (Sun., 10PM, CBS), in which the team discovers a creepy hunting club where the prey is people.

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• Filed in Real Housewives, Saturday Night Live, Sports, TV Picks
• Tags: 40 Most Shocking Breakups VH1, An Idiot Abroad, Big Love, Brick City, Celebrity Apprentice, Chopped All-Stars, Real Housewives of Orange County, Ron White's Comedy Salute to the Troops, Runnin' Rebels of UNLV, Saturday Night Live, Sister Wives season 2

(ALL TIMES ET)

8:30PM, SUN | ABC
83rd Annual Academy Awards – James Franco (a Best Actor nominee for 127 Hours) and Anne Hathaway co-host this year’s Oscar ceremony, in which Colin Firth‘s performance in The King’s Speech is considered the shoo-in winner for Best Actor. The bigger drama of the night could come from the changes made to the telecast, including the producers’ decision to abandon the idea of a traditional stage set. Instead, a series of digital projections will make the Kodak Theater stage look like it’s constantly changing. And, as usual, there’s the red carpet parade of fashions – always one of the main reasons for tuning into the Oscars – which begins airing at 7PM on ABC.

8PM, SAT | Fox
Cops – Tonight’s episode: “Morons on Parade #4.” Delightful for its title, and for the fact that it was preceded by #1, #2 and #3.

9PM, SAT | SYFY
Area 51 – Bruce Boxleitner and Jason London star in this week’s made-for-Syfy flick (directed by Sean Connery‘s son Jason) about the famed Area 51, which turns into an alien battle zone when the Air Force gives into public pressure and allows members of the media to visit the secret base.

9PM, SAT | FOOD NETWORK
Unwrapped – A new episode on comfort foods includes a visit to the Lay’s potato chip factory, a peek at how Haagen Dazs ice cream is made and the secrets behind the delicious cinnamon buns made by a New York City bakery.

10PM, SAT | IFC
Independent Spirit Awards – Community and The Soup funny guy Joel McHale hosts this Oscar eve movie awards show that some film fans prefer to the “big show” on Sunday.

10PM, SAT | CNBC
Til Debt Do Us Part – In back-to-back new eps, Gail helps one couple whose car obsession has resulted in a hefty debt load, and another that has relied too much on parents willing to help them pay off their bills.

8PM, SUN | CBS
The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business – The Australian Outback proves to be especially taxing for Mike‘s dad Mel.

9PM, SUN | HBO
Big Love – Including tonight’s “‘Til Death Do Us Part,” there are just four episodes left until the series finale, and things get increasingly more contentious between Bill and the ever more unhinged Alby.

9PM, SUN | SHOWTIME
Californication – Oh, Hank. Just when the cash-strapped writer gets a paying gig polishing the dialogue on a zombie flick, he jeopardizes the paycheck by (of course) hitting on a woman who’s connected to the movie’s star.

10PM, SUN | CBS
CSI: Miami – A high school bully is stoned to death and the CSIs have to figure out which of her victims is responsible.

Worth flipping to during commercials:
– Tina Fey and Steve Carell make one funny couple in Date Night (Sat., 8PM, HBO);
– High Stakes Poker (Sat., 8PM, GSN) begins its seventh season with new host Norm McDonald;
– George and Nina try to help a teen vampire on Being Human (Sat, 9PM, BBCA);
– Karl visits Brazil and its beaches on An Idiot Abroad (Sat., 10PM, Science);
– On My Fair Wedding With David Tutera (Sun., 9PM, WE), David has his hands full trying to find a venue and rework a pink-and-hearts wedding theme, with just three weeks to go before the couple’s big day;
– Frank claims he’s going to stop drinking on Shameless (Sun., 10PM, Showtime).

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• Filed in Award shows, TV Picks
• Tags: 83rd Annual Academy Awards, Area 51 Syfy, Big Love, Californication, Cops, CSI: Miami, Independent Spirit Awards, James Franco Oscar host, The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business, Til Debt Do Us Part, Unwrapped

(ALL TIMES ET)

9:30PM, SUN | SHOWTIME – 1ST SEASON FINALE
Episodes – With the Pucks! pilot finished, Sean and Beverly get ready to return to England. But when Sean goes to Matt’s house to say goodbye, he makes a shocking discovery that could put personal and professional relationships in serious jeopardy.

10PM, SAT | COMEDY CENTRAL
Patrice O’Neal: Elephant in the Room– The funny guy (and The Office guest star) riffs on everything from safe sex to being harassed.

8PM, SUN | CBS – 18TH SEASON PREMIERE
The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business – 11 former teams return to take another shot at the one meeeeellion dollar prize, including Kent and Vyxsin, brothers Jet and Cord and last season’s father and daughter team, Gary and Mallory.

8PM, SUN | ABC
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition – Dane Cook, Terry Fator and Duff Goldman help the team give a couple – including a soldier who was wounded during a shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas – their dream wedding and a new home.

8PM, SUN | FOX
The Simpsons – Halle Berry is the guest voice as Bart and Homer become the stars of Hollywood awards season when Homie stars in Bart’s film project: Angry Dad.

9PM, SUN | HBO
Big Love – Everyone’s against Barb’s pursuit of the priesthood, but she’s willing to do whatever she has to to make it happen, including divorcing the increasingly hapless Bill.

9PM, SUN | ABC
Desperate Housewives – Keith asks Bree to move to Florida with him, so he can be closer to his son.

9PM, SUN | NBC
Saturday Night Live Backstage – The new two-hour special is packed with fun fan scoop, including clips of favorite skits, interviews with the cast and various celebs’ commentary (including recent scene stealer Jon Hamm) on what it’s like to host the classic comedy series.

9PM, SUN | FOOD NETWORK – 1ST SEASON FINALE
Worst Cooks in America – Who are you rooting for: Team Joshie or Team Georg?

10PM, SUN | BRAVO
Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion, Part II – Kim and NeNe are still getting into it as the cast discusses season three with Andy Cohen, but Khandi also lets Kim know how fed up she is with her taking advantage of Khandi with her cheesy singing career.

Worth flipping to during commercials:
– In the Primeval fourth season finale (Sat., 8PM, BBCA), Danny pops in with a warning for the team;
– Annie is stuck in purgatory in the Being Human third season premiere (Sat., 9PM, BBCA);
– Jerseylicious: Inside the Jungle (Sun., 8PM, Style) takes fans behind the scenes at the Gatsby Salon;
– In the series premiere of Secret Service Files (Sun., 8PM, NGC), agents raid a Bogota counterfeit plant where more than $25 million in fake U.S. money is made every year;
– The East tries to repeat as NBA All-Star Game (Sun., 8:30PM, TNT) champs;
– Abby tries to get one of her partners to take Hank’s case when she has to recuse herself on Californication (Sun., 9PM, Showtime);
– Chris becomes a puppeteer on Family Guy (Sun., 9PM, Fox);
– Mack Trucks CEO Denny Slagle is this week’s Undercover Boss (Sun., 9PM, CBS);
– Justin Timberlake guest stars on The Cleveland Show (Sun., 9:30PM, Fox);
– Horatio’s ultimate foe, the man who killed his wife, returns on CSI: Miami (Sun., 10PM, CBS).

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• Filed in Real Housewives, Saturday Night Live, TV Picks, TV Specials
• Tags: Big Love, Desperate Housewives, Episodes, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Justin Timberlake The Cleveland Show, Patrice O'Neal: Elephant in the Room, Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion Part II, Saturday Night Live Backstage, The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business, The Simpsons, Worst Cooks in America finale

(ALL TIMES ET)

8PM, SUN | CBS
53rd Annual Grammy Awards – Movie awards shows can drag on forever, but think of this annual music kudosfest as more of a concert. On the star-packed bill: Justin Bieber, who performs with Usher and Jaden “Karate Kid” Smith, Mick Jagger, Barbra Streisand, Rihanna with Drake, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and Lady Antebellum. Statues will be doled out, too, of course, with Eminem leading all contenders with 10 nominations, followed by Mars with seven and Jay-Z, Gaga and Lady Antebellum with six each.

9PM, SAT | HBO
The Sunset Limited – Tommy Lee Jones directs, executive produces and co-stars in this adaptation of Cormac McCarthy‘s play about an atheist professor (Jones) who tries to commit suicide, and the religious ex-con (Samuel L. Jackson) who saves him.

11:30PM, SAT | NBC
Saturday Night Live – Russell Brand hosts, Chris Brown performs … Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do?

9PM, SUN | HBO
Big Love – The show’s final season is at the halfway mark after this episode, in which Bill battles with the Mormon church for his Senate goals, Cara Lynn’s adoption hits a snag and Lois tries to rewrite the truth about her marriage to Frank.

9PM, SUN | ABC
Desperate Housewives – Mike investigates whether Zach was involved in Paul’s shooting, but more importantly, J.R. Ewing guest stars again!

9PM, SUN | FOX
Family Guy – When he and Brian create a ruckus in a movie theater, Peter and the pooch are ordered to attend AA meetings, but they don’t really take with Peter.

9PM, SUN | FOOD NETWORK
Worst Cooks in America – After the final four compete in a “culinary decathalon,” their families show up and ask each of them to make a favorite dish.

9:30PM, SUN | SHOWTIME
Episodes – Bev thinks Sean is having an affair with Morning, so she … well, she does something that she’s not going to be able to take back, setting up a tension-filled season finale next week.

10PM, SUN | ANIMAL PLANET – 2ND SEASON PREMIERE
Fatal Attractions – New Joisey police discover a dangerous tiger stalking around a residential neighborhood. And no, it’s not Snooki.

10PM, SUN | BRAVO
The Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion, Part 1 – The ladies rehash the drama of season three, and, no surprise, much of it revolves around NeNe and Kim.

Worth flipping to during commercials:
– The BAFTAs, the “British Oscars,” air on BBC America (Sun., 8PM), and The King’s Speech is the favorite there, too;
– Mayor Booker kicks off his reelection campaign on Brick City (Sun., 8PM, Sundance);
– On The Simpsons (Sun., 8PM, Fox), a lonely Valentine’s Day sends Moe on the prowl to meet women, with Homer as his wingman (D’oh!);
– On Californication (Sun., 9PM, Showtime), a naughty photo of Hank may land him in even more hot water, and without an attorney;
– David helps a bride whose wedding theme is mini trucks (huh?!) on My Fair Wedding With David Tutera (Sun., 9PM, WE);
– And LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash are among the NBAers guest starring on The Cleveland Show (Sun., 9:30PM, Fox).

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• Filed in Award shows, Real Housewives, Saturday Night Live, TV Picks
• Tags: Big Love, Desperate Housewives, Episodes, Family Guy, Fatal Attractions, Grammys, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Saturday Night Live, The Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion, The Sunset Limited, Worst Cooks in America

30 Rock with 22 nominations, 99 nods for HBO … big numbers for them at this morning’s 2009 Emmy Awards nominations announcement, but those weren’t the biggest surprises when Grey’s Anatomy star Chandra Wilson and The Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons read the list of Emmy contenders.

Among the surprise snubs:
– No Best Drama nod for 24
– No Best Actor in a Drama nod for Kiefer Sutherland (what?!)
– No Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy nod for Jeremy Piven, who won the award last year. Guess people are still really ticked off about that whole mercury poisoning business
– A near shut-out for buzzworthy HBO drama True Blood, which got nominations for title design, casting and art direction … and that’s it

Now, among the surprise, mostly happy surprises, nominees:
– Family Guy and Flight of the Conchords for Best Comedy
– Big Love and Breaking Bad for Best Drama
– Sarah Silverman for Best Actress in a Comedy for The Sarah Silverman Show
– Jemaine Clement for Best Actor in a Comedy for Flight of the Conchords
– Elisabeth Moss for Best Actress in a Drama for Mad Men (so deserved)
– Aaron Paul for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for Breaking Bad (ditto)
– And Jack McBrayer, one of the most delightful guys on TV, for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for 30 Rock

And the nominations that really sum up this year’s contenders: in the Best Writing – Comedy category, four out of five nods went to 30 Rock, while Mad Men snagged four out of five nominations for Best Writing in a Drama.

With some of TV’s more popular – with viewers, not just with critics – shows earning some Emmy nomination recognition this year, it’s clear that the Emmy folk are trying to make sure the telecast fares better than last year’s show, which was the lowest-rated in Emmy history. Having Neil Patrick Harris as host (he’s also a Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy nominee for How I Met Your Mother – yay) is another step towards that, so here’s hoping that the Sept. 20 Emmy telecast will be one worth watching.

So, were your faves nominated? Are you bummed about 24, Kiefer or Piven’s snubs? Anyone or any show you think didn’t deserve the nomination(s) they got? And does NPH as host have you looking forward to the 61st annual Emmys show on Sept. 20?

And now, the rest of the nominees (the complete complete list, including technical awards, is available at Emmys.org)…

Outstanding Comedy Series
30 Rock
Entourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
Weeds

Outstanding Drama Series
Big Love
Breaking Bad
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

…Read more

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• Filed in Award shows
• Tags: 24, 30 Rock, Aaron Paul, Big Love, Elisabeth Moss, Emmy nominations, Flight of the Conchords, Jack McBrayer, Jemaine Clement, Kiefer Sutherland, Mad Men, Neil Patrick Harris, Sarah Silverman