Cbs Glides Into Months Of Skating Specials
CBS launches the first of six international skating specials with the “World Team Skating Championship” at 8.
The four-team competition, which includes skaters from the United States, Russia, Europe and Canada, features performances by such stars as Scott Hamilton, Katarina Witt, Torvill & Dean, and Yekaterina Gordeyeva, who makes her debut as a competitive singles skater.
Verne Lundquist, Hamilton (when not competing) and Tracy Wilson will describe the action. The taped event is something of a warm-up for CBS’ third “Ice Wars: The U.S. vs. The World” special, coming Nov. 28-29.
In December, many of the world’s top Olympic hopefuls will be showcased when the network airs the Continents Cup.
In all, CBS will broadcast 30 hours of prime-time skating between now and January. The network knows a ratings magnet when it sees one, and skating has about as much pull as ever.
Fans can settle back and enjoy tonight’s three-hour-long telecast.
Highlights
“Nova,” KSPS at 7: Fascinating “The Secrets of Making Money” examines why the government will be changing the face of American currency. The hour shows the many ways the U.S. Treasury tries to defeat counterfeiters, who use everything from sophisticated computer imaging to ordinary color photocopiers to make fake dough.
“Mad About You,” NBC at 8: A visit to a couples therapist (Mo Gaffney) is an excuse to present clips from previous episodes.
“Frontline,” KSPS at 9: “We’ve entered the pop culture, so many of us, in so many ways,” laments “McLaughlin Group” panelist and Chicago Tribute columnist Clarence Page. He’s one of the many voices heard in a thoughtful report that answers “Why America Hates the Press.”
Tom Brokaw, Cokie Roberts, Tim Russert and Bob Woodward are among those weighing in.
“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: In a swell role reversal, Jill (Patricia Richardson) uses money from an inheritance to buy a sleek sports car that she refuses to allow Tim (Tim Allen) to drive.
“Frasier,” NBC at 9: Frasier and Niles (Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce) become giddy when they spot a reclusive novelist (Robert Prosky) not unlike J.D. Salinger having a beer with Martin (John Mahoney). Naturally they make perfect fools of themselves, which is why fans love them so much.
“Spin City,” ABC at 9:30: The obvious question is whether he inhaled. Mayor Winston (Barry Bostwick) nominates a candidate for public schools chancellor (John Bedford Lloyd) who admits he once used marijuana. Flaherty (Michael J. Fox) maneuvers to get his boss off the hook with sidesplitting results.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 10: Scheduled is an interview with actress, comedian and talk-show host Rosie O’Donnell.
Cable Calls
“Mother Trucker: The Diana Kilmury Story” (1996), TNT at 5 and 9:30: Barbara Williams portrays the gutsy Canadian truck driver who took on the crooked leadership of the International Teamsters Union and helped reform the labor organization. This tense Canadian Broadcasting Corp. movie is as dramatic as it is inspirational.
Small world, eh? Williams is married to Tom Hayden, whose former wife, Jane Fonda, is married to Turner Broadcasting’s Ted Turner.
“Silent Witness: The Sins of the Father” (1996), A&E at 6 and 10: Ryan (Amanda Burton) investigates the murder of a man who may have been killed by his fiancee’s father. While pursuing the case, Ryan is forced to deal with new truths about her father’s death from an IRA bomb.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Comedian Don Rickles, Kimberly Williams (“Relativity”) and singer Keith Sweat.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Talk show host Rosie O’Donnell, actor-screenwriter Jon Favreau and singer Sheryl Crow.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Tasha Smith (“Boston Common”) and The Brian Setzer Orchestra.