We Like to Watch: Jan. 31st-Feb. 6th, 2011
Dana Carvey reminds us that he can actually be funny, and there’s some football something-or-other on, too.
There’s a lot of TV options to choose from. Too much for any one person to completely monitor, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to do our best to sift through all the listings and figure out what you should be watching every week…with all the highlights, lowlights and guilty pleasures you can stand.
Monday, Jan. 31st
10:00, 10:30 p.m. Shatner’s Raw Nerve (Bio)
The third season of William Shatner’s whacked-out celebrity interview series premieres with two brand-new episodes, where he chats with the legendary Carol Burnett first, followed by the less-than-legendary Marilu Henner. But good for the soon-to-be 80-year-old Sh*t My Dad Says star for having two shows on the air at the same time.
Wednesday, Feb. 2nd
12:35 a.m. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
As much as we want to see Fallon interview the family-friendly version of Ice Cube, the gorgeous Leighton Meester (above) and Todd Rundgren on Wednesday morning’s (Tuesday night’s) episode of Late Night, we’d much rather be a fly on the wall in that green room as both musicians shamelessly hit on Meester. Or when they all start singing a rousing rendition of “I Saw the Light” mashed up with “It Was a Good Day.”
Thursday, Feb. 3rd
8:00 p.m. The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Though this season of BBT has been the most uneven yet (they’re cramming in waaay too many characters), things seem to be on an upswing. This week’s ep features the magic pairing of Penny and Sheldon as the big brain asks the pretty girl next door for some acting lessons. We’re guessing this one will be the reverse of the recent installment where the curvacious Kaley Cuoco wanted to learn physics, and any Penny-centric episode instantly gets upgraded to “must watch.”
Also on Thursday
10:00 p.m. Brad Meltzer’s Decoded (History)
Political thriller novelist Meltzer fills his books with all kinds of huge conspiracies (not to mention comic book references), which is why the History Channel tapped him to host these investigations of history’s mysteries. The season finale has his team exploring the Georgia Guidestones, which have been called the American version of Stonehenge. This 20-foot series of giant blocks was commissioned by an unknown (Was it a genius? An ambitious rock polisher? We demand answers, Meltzer), and features several different languages all saying the same thing. (No, it’s not “Papa Was a Rolling Stone, yuk yuk yuk.”)
Saturday, Feb. 5th
11:30 p.m. Saturday Night Live (NBC)
We’ve got to hand it to the producers of SNL this season, as they’ve done a great job booking hosts who make us actually want to stay in and watch network television on a Saturday night. This week’s master of ceremonies is alum Dana Carvey. One of our favorite members from that glorious early-’90s cast, Carvey hasn’t done much of anything in recent years, but we’re always happy to see him pop up. Here’s hoping he doesn’t feel the need to drag out “Chopping Broccoli” again, though. And speaking of irritating songs: Linkin Park will be the musical guest.
THE SILVER LINING
Friday, Feb. 4th
9:00 p.m. Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials (CBS)
To get your old lady off your back about your already-planned full weekend of sitting in front of the TV for football coverage, spend some time watching this special on Friday night. It’ll get her excited about the game (or at least the game’s commercial breaks), and maybe she won’t be a drag to watch it with if you’ve been forbidden from leaving the house. Plus, you’ll probably see a few of your own favorite 30-second spots during this walk down Consumer Memory Lane. (Overexposed or not, Betty White still kills it.)
THE ONLY THING WORTH WATCHING ON SUNDAY
Sunday, Feb. 6th
6:00 p.m. Superbowl XLV (FOX)
If you even need this reminder, please turn over your man card immediately. The big dance is finally here as the Steelers take on the Packers in Dallas. This battle between two beloved and storied franchises should be suitably epic. If not, maybe Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas will have a Janet-esque wardrobe malfunction while performing at the half-time show. Our fingers are crossed for both. You know what “both” we mean.
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