TV’s best bets: ‘Ugly Betty’ leads ABC lineup
Tonight’s must-see
“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m.), “Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m.) and “Lost” (10 p.m.) on ABC.
For a brief spurt, ABC will have the best night on TV. Each show is preparing five new, post-strike episodes.
On “Ugly Betty,” Betty’s 24th-birthday party with Henry is broken up by Charlie. Also, Wilhelmina hints to Daniel that Renee has a dark secret.
On “Grey’s Anatomy,” Meredith and friends are in a surgical contest judged by Bailey. George and Lexie adjust to their crummy apartment; Callie bonds with Erica Hahn.
And on “Lost,” Locke’s camp is attacked. Also, Jack tries to identify a body washed ashore.
Tonight’s must-tape
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975), 8-11 p.m., Ion. A classic movie returns, with order and chaos colliding in a mental institution. The result won Oscars for best picture, actor (Jack Nicholson), actress (Louise Fletcher), director (Milos Forman) and script. No film had swept those since “It Happened One Night,” back in 1934.
Other choices include:
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005), 6 and 8:30 p.m., ABC Family. Sure, the 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” was terrific. Still, this remake is even better, because of the magical touch of director Tim Burton. Johnny Depp is perfect in the lead.
“My Name is Earl,” 8 p.m., NBC. Randy is determined to take care of Earl, instead of sending him to an extended-care facility. Others have their doubts about the plan.
“30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m., NBC. Jack has spent the year scheming to be chairman of parent company General Electric. Now that he seems headed there, Liz worries about who would replace him. (The schedule grid above was prepared before programming was finalized.)
“The Office,” 9 p.m., NBC. Michael and Dwight decide they should visit Ryan – their former intern and current boss – in New York. Meanwhile, Ryan’s Internet plan means everyone has to work on a Saturday.
“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 9 p.m., CBS. Two murders seem linked to a prisoner.
“Without a Trace,” 10 p.m., CBS. A man wakes from a three-year coma, then disappears.