Christian Clothier
Andrea Zabinski and Ben Kaufman host Sundance Channel's Quirky
Smugglers, aliens and drugs, oh my. Among the reality show debuts this week, from American Chopper to All-American Handyman, several hot shows hit the screen covering weird science, strange inventions, food obsessions and reshaping our image of plus-sizes.
The US Tennis Open runs live on ESPN every night and the countdown to the 10th anniversary of 9/11 continues. If on vacation for Labor Day next weekend, set-to-record. It’s the perfect chance to catch repeats of missed shows, must-see movies and the following highlights:
Monday, August 29
Crave at 8:30 on Food Network
The debut of a culinary journey for the ultimate slice (of pizza) from New York to Chicago and San Francisco. More foodie faves from fried chicken and ice cream follow.
The Easy A at 9 pm on Starz
In case you missed Emma Stone’s breakout comedy, see the new Sandra Bullock and future Meryl Streep play a phony bad girl.
2011 MTV Video Music Awards at 8 pm on MTV
If you missed Gaga’s drag king last Sunday night, catch the repeat for a touching Russell Brand tribute to Amy Winehouse, Katy Perry’s wacky hat and more.
9/11 programming from 8-11 pm on the National Geographic Channel: Guiliani’s 9/11 at 8 pm, “George W. Bush’s 9/11 Interview” at 9 pm, and CIA Confidential: “9/11 Mastermind” at 10 pm.
Tuesday, August 30
Quirky at 10 pm on Sundance
A sexy power strip, a wallet/bracelet and odd gizmos make their debut. “Ideators” show-off ingenious inventions for everyday problems. Vote yea or nay - or scratch your head.
Big Sexy at 10 pm on TLC
Celebrate the full-figured woman with five shapely ladies attending New York Fashion Week in all their curvy glory for the season premiere.
Wednesday, August 31
Dark Matters: Twisted but True at 10 pm on Science Channel
Creepy new series explores bizarre or sinister experiments like the ape-man hybrid army, zombie servants and laughing gas. Hosted appropriately by Fringe’s John Noble.
Thursday, September 1
Nick News with Linda Ellerbee at 9 pm on Nickelodeon
This veteran journalist explains 9/11 to kids. Safe to say it will be done with thoughtful sensitivity.
Friday, September 2
Man, Woman, Wild at 9 pm on Discovery
Season two premiere: Special Forces survival expert Mykel Hawke and his journalist wife Ruth get stranded in the Bermuda Triangle.
Glastonbury 2011 at 11 pm on VH1
See U2, Coldplay, Beyoncé and more from June’s big music fest at Wort
hy Farm in the UK on this concert special.
Saturday, September 2
Megamind at 8 pm on HBO
Will Ferrell stars as the titular villain pitted against superhero Brad Pitt as Metro Man, along with Tina Fey in last summer’s animated hit.
Sunday, September 3
Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero from 8 to 11 pm on Science Channel
From executive producer Steven Spielberg, three shows: “A New City,” “A Gateway to New York” and “A Place to Mourn,” are repeated from Discovery. Focuses on the new tower and the memorial opening in the footprints of the Twin Towers.
