This week brings more hot premieres (Once Upon a Time!), more season returns (Rules of Engagement), along with news of new show cancellations (Charlie’s Angels) and specials like the Scream Awards! and see George Lucas meet Darth Vader in person.
Halloween madness begins (Beetlejuice) and the World Series swings into action. If you’re a serious Olympic sports fan, check out the XVI Pan American Games on ESPN, live from Guadalajara, Mexico, this week.
Monday, October 17
If you’re not watching Ashton Kutcher on Two and a Half Men, Dancing with the Stars, Spielberg’s Terra Nova or Hugh Laurie on House tonight, catch:
Nowhere Boy at 8 pm on Showtime Showcase
The story of John Lennon's teen years, his relationship with the aunt who raised him, his absentee mother Julia, who gives him the gift of music. Starring Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass) and Kristin Scott Thomas, and Thomas Brodie Sangster as Paul McCartney.
Meeting of the Minds: The Business of Science at 9 pm on CNBC
Sounds self-explanatory and maybe wonky, but fascinating nonetheless.
Tuesday, October 18
Man Up! at 8 pm on ABC
It’s a season for females from New Girl to Whitney and this comedy is the antidote. Will, Kenny, and Craig try to redefine their masculine side.
Scream Awards 2011 at 9 pm on Spike TV
Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Black Swan win (spoiler alert). The sixth annual salute to the best in horror, sci-fi and fantasy. Quentin Tarantino, Bradley Cooper, and Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens present and George Lucas makes a special appearance. Robert Downey Jr. gets honored.
Wednesday, October 19
2011 World Series on FOX
At press time, it'll be the Detroit Tigers or the Texas Rangers versus the St. Louis Cardinals or the Milwaukee Brewers in the Fall Classic.
…That is if you’re not catching ABC’s comedy night with newbie Suburgatory starring Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Cheryl Hines and Emmy-winner Modern Family.
Thursday, October 20
Rules of Engagement at 8:30 on CBS
David Spade’s sitcom returns but Patrick Warburton should be the household name.
Project Runway at 9 pm on Lifetime
The finale. Part one brings together four designers who must compete for Fall Fashion Week and a runway show! Anya (who just learned to sew) Ayoung Chee vs. Viktor Luna. Heidi Klum hosts. Check out the dish afterwards on After the Runway.
Friday, October 21
American Masters: Pearl Jam Twenty at 9 pm at PBS
Celebrate Pearl Jam's 20th year together with interviews and archival performance to reveal truths by Almost Famous director and fan Cameron Crowe.
Saturday, October 22
An American in Paris at 8 pm on TCM.
The 1951 classic about n American soldier in Paris after World War II who paint and falls in love starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.
Sunday, October 23
Once Upon a Time at 8 pm on ABC
Premiere of a new fantasy series brings fairytales and modern-day life colliding with Snow White played by Big Love’s Ginnifer Goodwin, Prince Charming, the Evil Queen and The Full Monty’s Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin. From the makers of Lost.
Also, in time for Halloween, Tim Burton’s Coraline airs at 8 pm on ABC Family and the hysterical classic Beetlejuice with Michael Keaton at 10 pm on ABC Family.
