The ShowBuzz Weekly Forecast
This week's highlights include a slew of new TV series (debuts and season premieres of old favorites), the opening of "All The King's Men" with the formidable Sean Penn and the foxy Jude Law, and the publication of the political memoir of famous gay American Jim McGreevey.
MOVIES:
Sept. 18 sees the premiere of "A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints," the opening screening of Independent Film Week.
But for sheer star power, you can't beat "All The King's Men," a remake of the 1949 movie, based on the novel by Robert Penn Warren. The story is said to be inspired by the life of Huey Long, the Louisiana senator. Sean Penn and Jude Law are the stars, and it opens Friday, Sept. 22.
Also in theaters this week: "Fearless," starring Jet Li (it's already a hit in Asia), "Jackass Two" (yes, they went and made a sequel), and "Feast," a horror-spoof movie with Balthazar Getty (remember him?).
TV:
The are being handed out on Monday, Sept. 25. But this week is chock full of season premieres. Here's a rundown:
Monday, Sept. 18: "According to Jim" (syndicated), "The Megan Mullally Show" (syndicated), "Rachael Ray" (syndicated), "The Class" (CBS), "Deal or No Deal" (NBC), "Wife Swap" (ABC), "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS), "The CW Special: ET Presents the CW: Launch of a New Network" (The CW – where else?), "Two and a Half Men" (CBS), "CSI: Miami" (CBS), "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" (NBC).
Tuesday, Sept. 19: "NCIS" (CBS), "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (NBC), "The Unit" (CBS), "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (NBC), "Smith" (CBS), "Boston Legal" (ABC)
Wednesday, Sept. 20: "America's Next Top Model" (The CW), "The Biggest Loser" (NBC), "Jericho" (CBS), "Criminal Minds" (CBS), "CSI: NY" (CBS), "Kidnapped" (NBC)
Thursday, Sept. 21: "My Name Is Earl" (NBC), "The Office" (NBC), "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (CBS), "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC), "Shark" (CBS), "ER" (NBC), "Six Degrees" (ABC)
Friday, Sept. 22: "Ghost Whisperer" (CBS), "WWE Smackdown" (The CW), "Close To Home" (CBS), "Law & Order" (NBC), "Numb3rs" (CBS)
Saturday, Sept. 23: "Dateline NBC," "48 Hours Mystery" (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 24: "60 Minutes" (CBS — 39th season), "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (ABC), "Cold Case" (CBS), "Desperate Housewives" (ABC), "Without A Trace" (CBS), "Brothers & Sisters" (ABC)
Don't forget to make your predictions on which of the new TV shows will sink or swim! To take our quick polls, click here.
MUSIC:
Tuesday's a big day for big releases. Hopeless romantics will hail the release of Diana Krall's new album, "From This Moment On." The chanteuse is due for another release in December: twins, by musical love Elvis Costello … Claymaniacs, rejoice! "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken is out with "A Thousand Different Ways" … From Elton John comes "The Captain & the Kid," with 10 new songs reflecting the song-writing partnership of John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, who appear together on the album cover … And get ready to melt with Aaron Neville and "Bring It On Home … The Soul Classics," featuring such standards as "When A Man Loves A Woman" and "My Girl."
BOOKS:
Former New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey's new political memoir, "The Confession," goes on sale Tuesday, the same day his taped interview airs on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
Due on the same day is another political fireball, "The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina" by Frank Rich, the New York Times columnist who has been one of the most outspoken media critics of the Bush administration.
THEATER:
No one smiles like Gaston! No one sings like Gaston! Well, that's what they might belt out on Broadway if they could get away with it when Donny Osmond joins the cast of the long-running "Beauty and the Beast" as the egotistical Gaston. Returning to the company at the same time (Tuesday) will be Sarah Uriarte Berry as Belle. If you want to see Donny, hurry and get a ticket; he's in the show for a limited nine-week run.
DVD:
If you came late to the party that is "My Name Is Earl," catch the complete first season that's available Tuesday on DVD. On that same day, you can go back and catch up with an old buddy, "Everybody Loves Raymond," when that series' seventh season comes out on DVD.
Looking for an even older buddy? On Tuesday, try the complete fourth season of "Bob Newhart" (the one with Suzanne Pleshette) and count the "Hi, Bobs!"
And it might not be your cup of tea, but it's a pretty sure bet that any little girl will thank you for bringing home the DVD of "Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses," also out Tuesday.