Thursday 24
“Introducing Graham Norton” (Comedy Central 9:30 p.m.) Comedy Central imports BBC hit “The Graham Norton Effect” to American shores. Since most folks have never heard of Norton, here's an introductory special letting viewers know what his deal is. Graham's a talk show host. He's British and he's gay. That's pretty much it. The loose, catty talk show Norton hosts is pretty entertaining, though.
Friday 25
The Long, Long Trailer (TCM 8:30 p.m.) Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz didn't make a lot of screen appearances together. This 1954 film is probably their most famous—and it isn't very funny. It's mostly a series of dragged-out slapstick routines and one very forgettable song. Still, it's interesting as a slice of 1950s Americana, with the couple buying a snazzy mobile home and trying to fit in to the vagabond crowd. The scenery is great.
Saturday 26
“B Movie Monsters” (Animal Planet 7 p.m.) Scientists investigate the biological realities behind famous Hollywood monster movies. Like, for example, could Godzilla really have been a giant, mutated iguana like they said in that stupid Matthew Broderick movie, or was that all just a load of crap?
Decoys (Sci-Fi Channel 7 p.m.) This cheesy Canadian horror movie actually played in theaters north of the border (poor, stupid Canucks), but we get to see it for free on the Sci-Fi Channel. In it, a couple of college boys stumble across a sorority full of sexy babes, all of whom turn out to be evil, flesh-eating space aliens. That really puts a damper on rush week.
Everyday People (HBO 11 p.m.) A hit at the Sundance Film Festival, this humble ensemble drama is making its debut on HBO. The lack of well-known actors in the cast only heightens the reality of this intriguing little New York story. General plot has a Jewish deli owner deciding to close down his restaurant due to declining sales and approaching gentrification. This causes a ripple effect among the diner's mostly black patrons.
Sunday 27
“Tasting Alaska” (Food Network 8 p.m.) Mmmm. Kinda earthy.
Monday 28
“Monster House” (Discovery 9 p.m.) The builders get all George Jetson on us by converting a boring suburban box into a “retro future” wonderland.
“Celibacy” (HBO 11 p.m.) This investigative documentary takes an hour-long look at the social and religious repercussions of sexual abstinence, particularly on members of the clergy.
Tuesday 29
“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (Bravo 8 p.m.) In a series first, the QE guys give fashion, grooming and home makeover tips to a seriously unfabulous gay man.
Wednesday 30
“Into Character” (AMC 8 p.m.) AMC's new reality series has movie fans live out their favorite movie fantasies. Tonight, two guys get to dress up and perform as the Blues Brothers. Followed by an airing of The Blues Brothers.
