Thursday 13
“Run's House” (MTV 11:30 p.m.) In their continuing quest to exploit the real life of every single celebrity on the planet, MTV gives us yet another reality series. This time, we get to hang out with the family of Run from Run-DMC. Whoopee.
“The Spartans” (KNME-5 8 p.m.) Thanks to HBO, everybody's all worked up over the ancient Romans. But check out these old-school Mediterranean homeboys and their longtime neighborhood feud with the Athenians.
“2005 World Stunt Awards” (E! 9 p.m.) Catch 'em now before they're replaced by awards for computer graphics engineers.
Friday 14
“Hopeless Pictures” (IFC 9 p.m.) This raw cartoon look at life behind the scenes of a mini-major motion picture studio is yet another overlooked animated gem from some of the folks who brought us “Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist.” It even features “Katz” star Jonathan Katz as–what else?–a professional therapist. See the season finale tonight.
Saturday 15
Return of the Living Dead: Rave to the Grave/Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (Sci-Fi 7 p.m./9 p.m.) Sci-Fi gives us a double feature tonight with the premieres of Return of the Living Dead, parts 4 and 5. That's twice the brain-munching of your average Saturday night Sci-Fi Original premiere.
Sunday 16
“Inside the Actor's Studio” (Bravo 6 p.m.) Host James Lipton kicks off a new season with this two-hour conversation with Sir Elton John. Elton John? What's he gonna talk about? His role in Tommy? His appearance on “The Muppet Show”? His … well, that's about it.
Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial By Fire (KRQE-13 8 p.m.) Sixty-five-year-old Chuck Norris kicks ass and collects social security in this brand new made-for-TV movie.
Monday 17
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central, 12:30 p.m.) Comedy Central may have finally found the perfect companion to “The Daily Show” with this spinoff starring correspondent/comedian Stephen Colbert doing the faux pundit thing. Take that, Bill O'Reilly.
Tuesday 18
“Crash Test Dummies” (A&E 8 p.m.) In this new reality series, A&E looks into the beer-, bravado- and brain-damage-fueled world of professional demolition derby.
Time to Downsize (TCM 6 p.m.) TCM–to paraphrase Steve Martin–“gets small” with a quartet of sci-fi/fantasy films including The Incredible Shrinking Man, Devil Doll, Wild Wild Planet and Tom Thumb. All four films feature minuscule heroes and heroines. Wild Planet is Italian and must be seen to be believed.
Wednesday 19
“2005 Black Movie Awards” (TNT 8 p.m.) Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson died earlier this month. Ice Cube's Are We There Yet? is nominated for “Outstanding Motion Picture” at the 2005 Black Movie Awards. All things considered, not a great month for black culture.
“Drawn Together” (Comedy Central 1:30 a.m.) This hilariously rude cartoon parody of reality TV returns for a second season. How can you go wrong with a show that manages to spoof both Betty Boop and Donald Trump?
