What to Watch Weekend Jan. 31-Feb. 1
'Super Bowl XLIII'(Sun., 6PM, NBC)
Ten facts about Super Bowl XLIII: 1) It's live from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa; 2) It's a meeting of the 12-7 Arizona Cardinals and 14-4 Pittsburgh Steelers; 3) The Steelers are going for their sixth SB title;
4) The Cardinals haven't won an NFL championship since 1947; 5) Steelers' Mike Tomlin is only the third African-American head coach to lead a team to the SB; 6) Jennifer Hudson will sing the national anthem; 7) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band provide half-time entertainment;
8) A 30-second TV ad costs $3 million; 9) Trailers for 'Star Trek,' 'G.I. Joe,' 'Wolverine' and the 'Transformers' sequel are expected to air; and 10) The Cardinals and the Steelers were once the same team, when a World War II roster shortage led to a temporary merger known as Card-Pitt.
'Super Bowl XLIII'(Sun., 6PM, NBC)
Ten facts about Super Bowl XLIII: 1) It's live from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa; 2) It's a meeting of the 12-7 Arizona Cardinals and 14-4 Pittsburgh Steelers; 3) The Steelers are going for their sixth SB title;
4) The Cardinals haven't won an NFL championship since 1947; 5) Steelers' Mike Tomlin is only the third African-American head coach to lead a team to the SB; 6) Jennifer Hudson will sing the national anthem; 7) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band provide half-time entertainment;
8) A 30-second TV ad costs $3 million; 9) Trailers for 'Star Trek,' 'G.I. Joe,' 'Wolverine' and the 'Transformers' sequel are expected to air; and 10) The Cardinals and the Steelers were once the same team, when a World War II roster shortage led to a temporary merger known as Card-Pitt.
'The Office'
(Sun., After the Super Bowl, NBC)
A special one-hour episode finds Michael getting roasted (in a Dean Martin kinda way), while the rest of the office tries to watch a bootlegged movie and Pam finds out something shocking about her dad. Oh yeah, and there are those guest stars: Jack Black, Cloris Leachman and Jessica Alba.
'Puppy Bowl V'
(Sun., 3PM, Animal Planet)
If this annual frolicking of puppies on a mini football field doesn't make you squeal with delight, you should seriously look into the possibility that you have no soul.
'Big Love'
(Sun., 9PM, HBO)
Margene suffers a major loss, Barb deals with her meddling (and disapproving) sister and Bill finds out quite a little shocker about Nicki as Roman's trial is about to kick off.
'Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials 2009'
(Sat., 8PM, CBS)
Jim Nantz and Daisy Fuentes reveal the top 10 Super Bowl commercials of all time, including the viewer-chosen numero uno ad.
'The L Word'
(Sun., 9PM, Showtime)
The re-edited version of Jenny's movie gets out and let's just say that it may have something to do with her death in the season premiere.
'United States of Tara'
(Sun., 10PM, Showtime)
When Max seems to be uninterested in getting frisky, Tara takes her therapist's advice and schedules a nookie night. Wonder which of her personalities will show up for it, though?
'Mother Knows Sex'
(Sun., 10PM, TLC) series premiere
Cincinnati mother of four Patty Brisben is the subject of this new reality series that profiles her personal life and her professional life as the proprietor of a sex toy company. A randy little company that also employs her four children.
'Crusoe'
(Sat., 8PM, NBC) 1st season finale
It's also likely the series finale, but hey, at least you already know how the story turns out.
Also on this weekend:
- 'AKC/Eukanuba National Championship '08/'09' (Sat., 8PM, Animal Planet)
- 'Flight of the Conchords' (Sun., 10PM, HBO)
What's on Monday: 'Chuck,' 'Medium' and more
Check out our TV calendar for a look at the month ahead
Top TV Headlines
Sarandon Joins 'ER'
Actress Susan Sarandon is reportedly checking in to County General. The Oscar winner was spotted on the set of 'ER' last week, spies E!, where she filmed scenes with none other than Dr. Ross himself -- aka George Clooney. Further details on the guest spot have yet to be revealed. (Jan. 28)
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Shonda Rhimes Goes to Washington
ABC has greenlit another Shonda Rhimes pilot -- seriously. The new show is called 'Inside the Box,' reveals TV Guide, and will be set around a female news reporter and her co-workers in Washington, D.C. No word yet on who will play the McPresident. (Jan. 28)
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Fox to Air Scheuring's 'Masterwork'
Fans still mourning the cancellation of 'Prison Break' finally have something to celebrate. According to the Hollywood Reporter, creator Paul Scheuring is returning to Fox with a new pilot entitled 'Masterwork,' said to feature a global search for rare artifacts. This time, we hope Scheuring doesn't solve everything in one season. (Jan. 28)
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Parker, Sarandon Join Reality Series
Sarah Jessica Parker is returning to television. The Emmy-winning star of 'Sex and the City' will appear on the reality series 'Who Do You Think You Are?' executive-produced by Lisa Kudrow. The show, which will explore celebrities' ancestral history, also features Susan Sarandon, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 'Think' premieres Apr. 20 on NBC.
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Johnston Eyes New Role
Kristen Johnston may star in the Fox remake of 'Absolutely Fabulous,' scoops Variety. Johnston reportedly appeared at a table-reading for the series, where she's up for the role originated by Jennifer Saunders. Sounds pretty 'Fabulous' to us. (Jan. 28)
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Somerville on 'Duty' for New Comedy
Bonnie Somerville is joining the cast of 'Off Duty,' reports the Hollywood Reporter. Somerville joins Bradley Whitford in the comedy about a police detective who makes life difficult for his new partner, played by Romany Malco. The show will air on NBC with a premiere date yet to be determined. (Jan. 28)
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TBS Renews 'Meet the Browns'
Get ready to meet a lot more of the 'Browns.' The hit TBS comedy has been renewed for a whopping 80 episodes, says Variety, and could return as early as this summer, where it would air opposite Tyler Perry's (pictured) 'House of Payne.' A new episode of 'Meet the Browns' airs tonight at 10PM. (Jan. 28)
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ABC Shuffles Thursday Lineup
Here's some ugly news for 'Ugly Betty' fans: According to the Ausiello Files, the Emmy-winning series is about to be put on hold to make room for ABC's new Thursday-night lineup. Starting Mar. 26, the network will air 'In the Motherhood' and 'Samantha Who?' instead, bumping 'Betty' off the airwaves temporarily. And we thought 'Betty' would never go out of style. (Jan. 27)
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Poehler's Comedy Goes 'Public'
'The Untitled Amy Poehler Show' finally has a title ... for now. The show will likely be called 'Public Service,' reports the New York Times, with a premiere date scheduled for Apr. 9. The report also mentions that 'Service' was slated for a post-Super Bowl debut, but was pushed back due to the 'Baby Mama' star's pregnancy. Either way, we're happy it finally has a due date. (Jan. 27)
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Senate Delays DTV Switch
TV fanatics worried about next month's digital TV switch can relax a little. Yesterday, the Senate voted to delay the switch from Feb. 17 to June 12, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Look for consumers everywhere to remember this report on June 11. (Jan. 27)
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