How do you become the go-to DJ for all of HBO’s events? Don’t mess up.

“I never let them down, showed up on time and always played what I call a ‘bulletproof’ set,” says Marvin Coleman, a Philadelphia-born mix master who has used his signature, seamless blends and music knowledge to establish an enviable career as a DJ and producer. He’s been shouted out by the likes of Jill Scott on her albums and has traveled the globe thanks to his signature “Buttamilk” mixtapes. What’s his secret? “Don’t make a mistake, don’t make a bad blend, don’t be too choppy.”

After impressing an attendee at one of his gigs at Bluewater Grill he was invited to play for a “Chris Rock Show” premiere party. He opened up for Grandmaster Flash and managed to not let his fan-dom get in the way of doing a good job. That led to spinning for a party and then the Holy Grail; the HBO company holiday party.

“That’s not glamor,” he says with a smile. “There’s no red carpet. That’s the business people, but it was 2,000 of them. I’ve done their Christmas party every year since ’98 or 99. I built trust with them. I never pushed or campaigned, I just got the gig and said thanks. I had a Masters Degree in Journalism from Columbia so I wasn’t sure DJing was what I’d be doing.”

But then HBO hit their stride and they began cranking out hit shows like “The Sopranos” and “Sex And The City.” Every time a show premiered they had a party guess who they called?
“They got comfortable with me doing the local premieres in NY but then they had wrap parties. Those are different. They’re in their jeans and t-shirts and just celebrate. Went out to Silver Lake studios in Queens and had turntables on the Sopranos set.”

A few weeks ago Marv DJ’d the premiere party for HBO’s latest hit “Boardwalk Empire.” Given the show’s 1920s theme Marv applied some special preparation to his usually meticulous sets.

“I may go through 600 hundred songs for this party and it’s not unusual for me to do for any gig,” he says. “If I’m playing for three hours I’ll prepare three times the length of the party at a minimum. So nine hours for a three hour party and I’ll choose the cream of the crop from that. And I watch every episode of the show when I get the gig.”

Watch the clip to see how he dug in his own jazz collection to move the crowd.

UPDATE: Listen to the podcast of the event HERE!

RELATED POSTS:

10 Favorite Celebrity Cameos From HBO’s “Entourage”

“True Blood” Actress Speaks On Interracial Marriage

All good things must come to an end. The series finale of “Entourage” airs Sunday night on HBO.  Loosely based on the real life Hollywood adventures of Mark Wahlberg, “Entourage” follows Queens bred actor Vincent Chase, and his band of merry men–brother Drama, best buds Eric and Turtle, and Vince’s cutthroat agent, Ari Gold. Besides the hot girls and the hot rides, “Entourage” has always been a must see for their dizzying array of celebrity cameos.  From Kanye West to LeBron James, “Entourage” draws in the biggest and brightest from the worlds of sports, acting, and music.  The Urban Daily has rounded up ten of the most memorable and hilarious guest spots.

Catch a sneak peek of series finale HERE

Final episode  of “Entourage” airs Sunday September 11th on HBO 10:30 P.M. EST/9:30c

Eminem, Season 7

Bow Wow, Season 5

Kanye West, Season 4

Snoop Dogg, Season 4

T.I., Season 5

50 Cent, Season 6

LeBron James, Season 6

Mike Tyson, Season 7

Anthony Anderson, Season 2

Christina Aguilera, Season 7

BP Group Spotlight: B.P. Jazz

BP Member Spotlight: Damien Lemon

BP Member Spotlight: N’Dambi

Mos Def’s just added another entry to his acting resumé by joining the cast of the forthcoming HBO comedy series “Enlightened.”

The Emmy nominated actor/rapper will play the boss of the character portrayed by Laura Dern, who writes the show along with Mike White.

The show will be Mos’ first full-time television acting role, having previously made appearances on “The Cosby Mysteries,” “House,” “Chappelle’s Show,” “Yo Gabba Gabba,” and “The Boondocks.”

RELATED: VIDEO: Mos Def Performs New Song “It Ain’t My Fault” For Gulf Coast

RELATED: VIDEO: Mos Def Guests On “Yo Gabba Gabba”

The long-anticipated third season of the vampire drama True Blood premieres tonight on HBO and Parlour magazine interviewed actress Rutina Wesley, who plays  Bayou beauty Tara Thornton. During the chat the actress spoke on meeting her husband, actor Jacob Fishel at Julliard and what it means to be in an interracial relationship.

PARLOUR: You attended Julliard, is that where you met your husband, actor Jacob Fishel?

Yes, we were in the same class at Julliard. We thought, ‘if we could spend four years together at this crazy school, then we can make it the rest of our lives.’ He’s an amazing actor, cook and husband. I enjoy him immensely.

PARLOUR: We’re sure you’ve heard the discussions surrounding black women’s dating habits and Regina King recently told us that black women should date outside of their race. Do you agree?

I’ve always loved who I loved and it never mattered to me where they were from. That’s how it should be, wherever your heart tells you to go, you go. A lot of people still have problems with [inter-racial relationships] these days, but I like to focus on what I know in my heart and I found my soul mate. Just because he happens to be outside of my race doesn’t matter to me.

Ritana’s character was originally written as a white woman. See what she has to say about playing Tara @ PARLOURMAGAZINE.COM

VIA DX:

G.O.O.D. Music artist Kid Cudi is shifting his sights from the music world to the realm of acting, as Cudi will have a lead role in a new HBO series.

“It’s called How to Make It in America. It’s produced by the guys that did Entourage,” revealed Cudi to the Arizona Republic. “Mark Wahlberg is the executive producer. It’s directed by Julian Farino, who also did Sex and the City, several episodes of that and The Sopranos, and Entourage. I have a lead role. My character’s name is Domingo Dean. I actually named my character after both of my brothers – Dean, who lives in Phoenix, being one of them, and Domingo.”

In spite of his career, Cudi wants no part in being typecast due to his music.

“It has no reference to my music. It was important to me early on to branch away from music and actually do something outside my comfort zone,” elaborated Cudi. “When we were developing my character with the writers, I was telling them, ‘Man, I don’t want to be anything that has to do with music,’ just because that’s not really acting.”

Although he’s begun a career in acting, Cudi’s debut Man on the Moon: the End of Day is still scheduled to be released September 15, and will feature The Clipse, Common, Kanye West and Snoop Dogg; production will be helmed by Kanye West, Just Blaze and will.i.am.

To quote Bill:

“It’s sad when your peak was a moonwalk that occurred ages ago.”

Peep the video below and answer the question if Mr. Maher added insult to MJ’s legacy:

Looks like 50 Cent will be rolling with a new crew this summer. 50 will join Adrian Grenier and co. when he appears on HBO’s hit series ‘Entourage‘ in August.

The rapper was spotted, alongside executive producer Doug Ellin and cast members Jerry Ferrara and Grenier, filming a scene for the show in a white Rolls Royce convertible last weekend.

‘Entourage’ has gained a large amount of popularity within the hip-hop community since its inception in 2004. Rappers Snoop Dogg, Kanye West and T.I. have made guest appearances on the hit series while Saigon and Bow Wow have recurring roles on the show. Lil Wayne is expected to appear as himself on the upcoming season.

The sixth season of ‘Entourage’ kicks off on July 12.

Check out our ‘Rappers Turned Actors’ gallery below:

Al Pacino has been set to star in an HBO telepic about right-to-die champion Dr. Jack Kevorkian, to be directed by Barry Levinson, reports Variety.

The film will revolve around Kevorkian’s construction of his infamous “Mercy Machine,” his first assisted suicide in the early 1990s and the resulting media frenzy. Kevorkian was convicted of second-degree murder in 1999 as a result of his involvement in an assisted suicide that was videotaped and later shown on TV. He was released from prison in 2007.

The script was written by Adam Mazer.

With her HBO series, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” premiering tonight, Jill Scott was unable to be present this past Thursday evening at an invitation-only premiere at Philadelphia’s Prince Music Theater.

The Philadelphia Daily News’ Ellen Gray reports that Scott, who stars as Precious Ramotswe, beloved heroine of a series of detective novels set in Botswana — where the series’ two-hour pilot and its first season were filmed — is entering the last month of her pregnancy.

The 36-year-old singer/actress is expecting her first child on April 25th recently relocated to Southern California and is not in travel mode.

For more about this story, please click here! Share your thoughts in the comments section!

XXL reports that Cam is developing a new sitcom based on Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The Harlem MC is apparently a huge fan of David’s hit HBO series. Calling it his favorite show, he said, “I got a sitcom coming out but we don’t have a title exactly to it yet. It’s like black ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’”

Staying true to Curb’s unique brand of Jewish humor, Cam – who once had a DVD in the works called “Here’s Cam’ron (You Little Yentas)” – says that he wants to include Jewish people in the project. “Right now while I’m writing my show, it’s a lot of stuff that has to do with Jewish people,” he said. “So I called my lawyer, my man Andrew Bergman, and I’m like listen, would I be allowed to do this because I don’t wanna offend anybody.”

He should hire The Rosenthals as writers. The article also says he plans on finally releasing the sequel to the cinematic masterpiece that was Killa Season.

SOURCE: Nah Right

An updated version of the exclusive HBO special We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration At The Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, January 21st (11:30 p.m. ET/PT). This presentation will include the invocation of the Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson, as well as all of the original performances of the live special, which was seen Sunday, Jan. 18.

The new version will also be seen this weekend on the main HBO channel and on HBO Latino, on Saturday, Jan. 24th (6:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT) and Sunday, Jan. 25th (3:30 p.m. ET/PT).

By simply walking on stage to promote her new HBO series “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” at the Television Critics Association conference Friday, star Jill Scott revealed she is six months pregnant with her first child.

The film, due to premiere on the network in March, is based on the best-selling novels by Alexander McCall Smith and was filmed entirely on location in Botswana.

“The first trimester I spent in Botswana,” said Scott, who is due April 25. “That was one of the biggest challenges of my life. First trimester! You’re sick every morning. It was seven hours time difference, the heat, the bugs, the 14 hour days.”

Still, the actress, who is engaged to drummer Lil’ John Roberts, says she’s glad she went through with the plans to film. “My doctors gave me a clean bill of health and said you can do this, so I did it.”

Scott, 36, is a three-time Grammy Award winner and was previously seen on the big screen in Tyler Perry’s 2007 film “Why Did I Get Married?”

The middle of the TV season has arrived. In years past that meant we just got a handful of new midseason shows that replaced cancelled series, but now it’s more like a whole new season, filled with returning favorites and new series. Our 2009 Midseason TV Preview runs down all the notable shows starting up in the next few months.

Please note that our list strictly covers series that have definite release dates (so any shows with “to be announced” air dates, like The Philanthropist and The Goode Family aren’t included) and doesn’t cover fall series that are just returning with new episodes, with one exception: Heroes (which is starting up a whole new volume of episodes, entitled, “Fugitives”).

This week, Monday through Wednesday, we’ll be running a Midseason Preview each day, covering the new and returning shows in the order of their premiere. Yesterday we talked about shows premiering 1/6 to 1/16. Today we’re covering shows starting up 1/18 to 2/8.

Big Love
Starring: Bill Paxton, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chlo? Sevigny, Ginnifer Goodwin, Amanda Seyfried
Network: HBO
Airs: Sundays at 9pm ET/PT
Season Premiere: 1/18/09

HBO’s risky gamble paid off. It turns out that we viewers like to feel like voyeurs sometimes, and peek in on the lives of “others” – possibly a subset of American life that we don’t get to openly experience. The Emmy and Golden Globe nominated Big Love is returning for its third season.

As if juggling three wives weren’t tricky enough, we’ll find modern polygamist Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) tackling problems outside his three-house suburban home. Bill attempts to create some much-needed financial security by expanding from Henrickson Home Plus into Weber Gaming. And as he continues to try and extricate himself from family and business ties to the Juniper Creek compound, he discovers that the prophet Roman Grant (Harry Dean Stanton) is difficult to elude. The power struggles between first wife Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn), second wife Nicki (Chlo? Sevigny) and third wife Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin) continue – especially regarding the possibility of adding a fourth.

G.O.O.D. Music signee Kid Cudi recently posted to his blog the news of his casting to up-and-coming writer Ian Edelman’s show How To Make It In America – currently in pre-production.

The pilot also starring Luis Guzman, Shannyn Sossamon and Bryan Greenberg is looking to come to HBO soon.

Via Kid Cudi’s blog, he writes:

“THE PILOT THAT I WAS CASTED IN A COUPLE MONTHS AGO JUS GOT PICKED UP BY HBO

I WILL BE CO STARRING ALONG SIDE MY FAM BRYAN GREENBERG, VICTOR RASUK, EDDIE KAYE THOMAS AND SHANNYN SOSSAMON IN HBO’S NEW COMEDY SERIES “HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA.”

HERES HOW IT ALL HAPPENED, NO JOKE

ONE NITE I ATTENDED A PARTY MY HOMEGURL VASHTIE WAS THROWIN AND I ENDED UP MEETING A GUY NAMED IAN EDELMAN (COOLEST DUDE EVER)…HE APPROACHED ME ASKIN IF I HAD EVER THOUGHT ABOUT ACTING (hell fuckin yea lol) AND HOW HE WANTED ME TO READ FOR A PART ON A SHOW HE WROTE AND WAS PREPARING TO SHOOT A PILOT FOR….I WAS A LIL STANDOFFISH, FOR I COULD TELL MY MAN IAN HAD A COUPLE DRINKS LOL BUT I SAID WUT DA HELL, AND GAVE HIM MY EMAIL SO HE COULD HAVE SOMEONE CONTACT ME ABOUT THE AUDITION….”

To continue reading on how this happened, be sure to check out Kid Cudi’s site by clicking here.

Cocaine Cowboys is saddling up at HBO.

Feature heavyweights Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay are exec producing the drama project, which Meredith Stiehm, creator/exec producer of Bruckheimer’s CBS drama Cold Case, has come on board to write.

Inspired by Billy Corben’s 2006 documentary, Cowboys chronicles the early days of cocaine trafficking in Miami. It is being produced by Warner Bros. TV, where Jerry Bruckheimer TV is based.

WBTV also is on board to run physical production on Cowboys if it gets greenlighted. That is believed to be a first for the studio and its corporate sibling network and marks an evolution in the companies’ relationship as Warners expands its cable presence.

Speaking of expansion to cable, Cowboys marks Bruckheimer’s first pay cable series project. The producer recently landed his first basic cable pilot with TNT’s The Line.

Bay, who brought the idea to his friend Bruckheimer, is executive producing Cowboys with him, Stiehm and Jonathan Littman. KristieAnne Reed serves as consulting producer on the project, whose producers are working with the team behind the 2006 documentary.

Bruckheimer and Bay are the latest A-list names to partner with HBO. The pay cable network inked an exclusive deal with Oprah Winfrey this week.

Bruckheimer TV and Stiehm are repped by CAA. Bay is with WMA.

Oprah Winfrey’s production company has entered into a new and exclusive three-year deal with HBO to develop movies and miniseries, reports Variety.

After working with ABC for 15 years, Winfrey’s Harpo Films decided to do business with the cable network, where Winfrey expects to develop a more eclectic mix of programming than was featured on the more positive-leaning ABC.

“ABC was always incredibly supportive of us, but there are natural limitations to being on network TV, part of that being ratings and commercial sponsorship,” said Harpo Films president Kate Forte. “It just seemed like a natural progression to meet with HBO, especially after the strong message I’ve been getting (from Winfrey) for the last year and a half that a lot of our projects seemed right for HBO.”

According to HBO co-president Richard Plepler, the pact was made without any specific development in mind. “I don’t think the number of ideas will be a problem,” he said. “The question will be, ‘How can we do everything?’“

Adds Michael Lombardo, president of HBO’s programming group and West Coast operations: “We generally don’t have a lot of overall deals with producers with whom we don’t have current shows. But when we met Kate and Oprah, it was obvious that this was the right deal to make.”

HBO will air a live telecast in the spring of Will Ferrell’s Broadway show “You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush,” reports Variety.

The cable channel’s special will be directed by Marty Callner, who also has helmed HBO comedy segments starring Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams and George Carlin. Executive producers are Callner for Funny Business as well as Ferrell, Adam McKay and Jessica Elbaum for Gary Sanchez Productions.

An exact date for the HBO airing has not been confirmed, although it seems likely it would come toward the end of the run (on March 15) of “You’re Welcome America” to prevent the telecast from cannibalizing ticket sales for the Broadway engagement.

The stage production is helmed by McKay, the writer/director with whom Ferrell has collaborated on films including Step Brothers, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

“Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush” begins previews at the Cort Theater on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, ahead of a Feb. 5 opening.

Eamonn Walker’s name might not be too familiar here in the United States where he doesn’t have years of appearing on stage under his belt, but if you’re a long-time subscriber to HBO, it’ll be hard to forget him playing Kareem Said for all six seasons of Tom Fontana’s prison drama “Oz.”

Although Walker has been a regular presence on television (and stage) since that show went off the air, his film appearances have been few and far between, which is why one might not recognize him when he first appears on screen in his latest movie, Cadillac Records, which reunites him with former “Oz” director Darnell Martin. The movie’s a look at the early days of recorded blues at Chess Records, and Walker gives an amazing performance as legendary blues singer Howlin’ Wolf. The movie also stars Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess, the label’s co-founder, Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, and Beyoncé Knowles as singer Etta James.

ComingSoon.net had a chance to sit down with Walker to talk about what went into playing the role of Howlin’ Wolf, as well as to learn a bit about his new NBC show “Kings” which starts airing next year.

CS: When you first appeared in the studio performing it really took me a second to realize it was you, even though I’ve seen every episode of “Oz” a number of times.
Eamonn Walker: You didn’t recognize me.

CS: I don’t know if it was the just the beard or just the situation, and I was really curious, do you have any kind of musical background whatsoever?
Walker: I’m a frustrated musician, I would go there. I sing in the bath, I’ve done the odd piece of singing here and there, but nothing what I would turn around and call myself a singer. I knew for this that I would have to step up, and really kind of dig in and find my voice.

CS: Did you just happen to find the script or your agent?
Walker: You may not know, but Darnell directed the pilot and the first two episodes of “Oz” so that’s where we met. My first big meeting at HBO was with Darnell Martin and twenty seven HBO executives, and I had to come in and read, and I read with her and we clicked straight away. It was a really amazing reading, because she’s a pretty good actress herself although nobody knows that. That’s how that came about and then all these years later, when she said she had some quite specific ideas in her head. I guess what popped up was working with me ’cause I can do intense I guess and she wanted this character to have an intensity about him as regards to the specific subject matter between he and Muddy Waters. If you watch this movie, you could take away from it that their whole relationship was this slice that you get, but it wasn’t, they played together, they loved each other, they respected each other on one level. It was like they became really great friends, and Willie Dixon, they all played together, all of them.

CS: Oh yeah, of course. It’s funny because he toured in the U.K. a lot, and I don’t know how old you are, but were you aware of him being there and playing with Clapton and others?
Walker: I’m in my 40s and no, I wasn’t aware of him at all. I mean my – I call him my surrogate father, John, because I adopted him and said, “I like listening to you.” Anyway, he was a big fan of Howlin’ Wolf, and so, I told him I was doing this film and I’m still apprehensive as to his reaction, because that was a criteria that I held high in my mind’s eye. Any of the music that I listen to or the kind of broader eclectic kind of thing came from him. That’s why I’m saying I was working in the Hope & Anchor with punk and all of that stuff. It’s because of that band my music is quite wide that I listen to. So, me playing this role and him being a huge Howlin’ Wolf fan specifically, and he really spoke about it. I was like, “Oh my God, I really don’t know what to do,” because there’s one person I cannot let down, it’s John.

To read more of this interesting interview with Eamonn Walker, please click here.

“We’re at the place where…we think we have this story and how do we put this together and are we completely sure that it’s the right thing to do?” Parker said. Parker added that fans shouldn’t expect Carrie to be expecting in this new film either.

“[Motherhood] doesn’t seem as if that’s going to be a choice she’ll make. It feels a little bit manipulative to toss that into the mix because she seems so pointed in a different direction.”

Parker also confirmed that the rumored 2009 summer start date will happen, if they can lock down a story.

“I think it’s a realistic timetable. That’s when we’d start shooting to be out in 2010. But that means we need to figure this out in the next couple of months.”

Previously: ‘HBO Obama Documentary To Air In Spring 2009′

Barack Obama: The Man and His Journey narrated by thesp Blair Underwood, will be released on January 20th to coincide with Obama’s inauguration.

It’s the first DVD release from Los Angeles-based Codeblack, headed by producer Jeff Clanagan.

Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman and CEO of Ebony/Jet parent Johnson Publishing, said the partnership was designed to tap into “ongoing growth opportunities within the African-American community and beyond.”

Following the Obama disc will be another docu, Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy. It will feature interviews with Bill Cosby, Chris Rock and Keenen Ivory Wayans, among others.

On the most recent episode of HBO’s Entourage Bow Wow really tries to prove that he isn’t “Lil” anymore in an on-screen sex scene. JD would be proud. Click to watch. NSFW!

Before you all get into an uproar, Ed Norton and his Class 5 Films company have been fighting for the rights since early 2006 and according to the Hollywood Reporter, received permission from the Obama camp specifically.

Directors Amy Rice and Alicia Sams were granted extensive access to document Obama and his history in politics. The film will start before he launched his presidential run in 2007 and continues through to Obama’s historic victory last week.

The documentary is scheduled to air sometime in Spring 2009.

The Confederate States of America, IFC, 7:00pm -

This provacative mockumentary is about what would happen if Obama doesn’t get elected… Just kidding. It’s about what would happen if the South won the war and if slavery was never abolished. Some thought-provoking humor during this “interesting” time in American politics and world history. Sit down and check it out on IFC at 7:00pm.

Countdown with Keith Olbermann, MSNBC, 8:00pm -

Has the world been changed by Colin Powell? If so, I’m pretty sure that Keith Olbermann will have something witty to say about it. After rants about Hillary Clinton, Dubya and his color commentary of Sarah Palin and Tina Fey – “Special Comment” has turned into the must watch segment of this highly informative, yet hilarious show that you can watch on MSNBC at 8:00pm.

Entourage, HBO, 9:00pm -

That sneaky guy Ari is a rotten one sometimes, but I guess in Hollywood, anything goes… On Entourage, Ari makes big after a funeral while Vince gets lucky with a supermodel during a photo shoot for a major fashion house. Get all this and more Turtle at 9:00pm!

Hip-Hop Legacies: A DJ Tribute, BET, 10:00pm -

BET has finally showed love to the architects of hip-hop. Hip-Hop Legacies: A DJ Tribute tracks the evolution of the minds behind the wheel of steel as technology changed the music from cuttin’ and scratchin’ to Serato and MP3′s. Kid Capri better be there… Tune in to this special occasion on BET at 10:00pm.

Real Chance of Love, VH1, 11:00pm -

If you’re crazy enough than you too can get a show on VH1. Brothers Real and Chance lamp it up with 17 lucky or lovelorn females on Real Chance of Love. How popular will this show become? We’ll see… You can judge for yourself at 11:00pm.

FRIDAY:

The Last Maneater: Killer Tigers of India, Animal Planet, 7:00pm -

Thinking that another Kimbo Slice fight wouldn’t be worth wasting excitement? Well, tune in to Animal Planet to check out the wrath and the viciousness of the killer tigers of India. On The Last Maneater, these tigers hunt, kill and eat humans live in mangrove forest swamps of Eastern India. Hear villagers’ harrowing tales of survival and find out what it’s like not living on the top of the food chain at 7:00pm on Animal Planet.

Friday Night Smackdown, MyNetworkTV, 8:00pm -

The WWE Friday night banaza – Smackdown – makes it debut on MyNetworkTV. Jeff Hardy puts life and limb on the line in a dangerous battle with the “Moscow Mauler” Vladimir Kozlov. Meanwhile, appearances from Triple H and The Undertaker help drive up hype for Cyber Sunday.

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team, CMT, 9:00pm -

The pretty faces of Texas’ and America’s team – The Dallas Cowboys – exude a perfection rarely captured on the field. Over 600 hopefuls try out for their slot at high-flying excitement with precision, flair and talent. Fans of the Cowboys already know what the rest of America needs to find out on Friday at 9:00pm on CMT.

Why I Ran, BIO, 10:00pm -

This spine-tingling show of A&E Biography’s award-winning channel finds viewers tuning in to Why I Ran for their Friday night. At 10:00pm, you and your friends will be witnesses to a high speed car chase that causes several hit and runs and heart-racing chase through an apartment building. Get your adrenaline fix on BIO!

Monty Python’s Flying Circus, BBC, 11:00pm -

The gang comes through with this ultra-funny show known the world over as Monty Python’s Flying Circus. On this Friday night episode, Oscar Wilde, James Whistler, George Bernard Shaw and the future Edward VII exchange euphemisms at a dinner party with some hilarious insight.

SATURDAY:

Napoleon Dynamite, Comedy Central, 7:00pm -

This off-beat and disarmingly funny movie – Napoleon Dynamite – was a Hollywood vehicle for relatively unknown Jon Heder. Napoleon helps his odd-ball friend to get a date and ends up falling for the girl himself. The movie known for “The Dance” kicks off our Saturday night at 7:00pm.

The Wedding Singer, MTV, 8:00pm -

Adam Sandler brings together his group of friends as they all have a blast in making The Wedding Singer. Sandler plays a down-on-his-luck crooner who wishes to woo Drew Barrymore’s character into matrimonial bliss. There’s hope for us still single in the city.

Fire and Ice, Sci-Fi, 9:00pm -

An ice dragon from a distanct magical land unknown to save the world of today from a fire dragon who plans on destroying it. This Sci-Fi original flick may scream “B-Movie,” but it sounds like date night conversational fodder to me! Be sure to check it out at 9:00pm.

Soul Plane, MTV, 10:00pm -

I am going to sit down, grab some space on the couch and just chill out and watch this movie that caused so much hoopla. Soul Plane starring Kevin Hart and Method Man finds these two buddy buying into their own airline business to some mixed results. Points added for having Tom Arnold up in the cut, too. Peep the hilarity at 10:00pm.

Dexter, Showtime, 11:00pm -

The serial killer everyone loves runs into a pedophile and Freebo is charged with a crime that he says he didn’t commit. With a smooth demeanor, Dexter is what to watch for Saturday, October 18th at 11:00pm.

SUNDAY:

60 Minutes, CBS, 7:00pm -

The longest running news cast on CBS has a lot of high profiled interviews for Sunday’s entertainment. Lara Logan interviews Major General Jeffrey Schlosser in Afghanistan where he discusses the increase of enemy personnel. The financial crisis is discussed, as well, by Lesley Stahl.

Super Skinny Me, BBC, 8:00pm -

This graphic account of extreme dieting follows two journalists as they adopt controversial weight-loss methods to drop from a size-8 to a size-0 in just five weeks. Mental and physical effects are highlighted. Check out this interestingly fresh documentary on BBC at 8:00pm.

The Next President: Battlegrounds, CNN, 9:00pm -

An in-depth look at the key battleground states for the 2008 presidential election and race finds CNN sharing a lot of good knowledge to those interested. Voting patterns, demographics and the importance of Ohio in this crucial time are spotlighted at 9:00pm on CNN.

Crash, Starz, 10:00pm -

This repeat episode of the TV adaptation of the award-winning film of the same name finds this opener as startling as the flick. A Korean man is murdered and Axel (Nick Tarabay) is on the case. The rest of this five degrees of separation show is set to incite people and turn them on their ear as Crash will be on Starz at 10:00pm.

The Life and Times of Tim, HBO, 11:00pm -

This HBO animated short is hilarious, witty and damn entertaining. Tim – who knows what he does, really – points out the social norms and misnomers that are typically taboo for most to talk about and discuss. If you’re hip or even a little bit hype – you’ll laugh out loud to this Seinfeld made on canvas at 11:00pm.

FRIDAY:

106 & Park, BET, 6:00pm -

BET’s favorite show has been extended to 8:00 now and have Jada Pinkett-Smith to round out the end of the week. The star of The Women sits down with Terrence J. and Rocsi to talk about her new film, her husband and who are some “women” she respects in the industry.

Demolition Man, Cinemax, 7:00pm -

Before all that paying the government money business, Wesley Snipes was the black martial artist with a flair all his own. Tonight on Cinemax, he co-stars with Sylvester Stallone in this futuristic action flick, Demolition Man.

Monty Python’s Flying Circus, BBC, 8:00pm -

The other end of the pool’s most famous comedy troupe returns with Flying Circus. On tonight’s airing, contestants partake in “The All-England Summarize Proust Competition,” and are judged; an irate customer confronts his travel agent and an expedition to Mount Everest equals some funny results!

Mobsters, BIO, 9:00pm -

A profile of Teamsters leader, Jimmy Hoffa is spotlighted tonight on BIO’s Mobsters. Hoffa disappeared in 1975 and since then no one knows what happened. His daughter, Barbara Crancer and biographer, Arthur Sloane give insight to Hoffa legacy.

Predator, Cinemax, 10:00pm -

MUST WATCH! Before Arnold decided to “son” Sarah Palin, he was the action hero du jour. In Predator, the Governator is in the jungle with his commandos trying to elude an alien threat. Be sure to watch this must see movie, tonight, at 10:00pm.

SATURDAY:

Erin Brockovich, A&E, 6:00pm -

This intelligent, fact-based drama with Oscar winner, Julia Roberts, playing a sassy divorcee who investigates a California utility company when a town’s groundwater is contaminated. Be sure to peep this interesting flick at 6:00pm.

The Big Lebowski, Encore, 7:00pm -

A slacker (Jeff Bridges) gets mixed up in a convoluted kidnapping plot with an eccentric millionaire whose name he shares. John Goodman, Steve Buscemi and John Turturro star in this Coen Brothers comedy.

Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker, Comedy Central, 8:00pm -

MUST WATCH! The always-funny, King of Comedy, Chris Rock airs out his issues with Bigger & Blacker at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. This act won him two Emmy’s for his performance and cost cats a pretty penny to see him live. All you got to do is pay your electric bill and enjoy this laugh riot!

Big Love, HBO, 9:00pm -

Barb is a candidate for “Mother of the Year,” but with Bill being approached for a civic membership, Rhonda lacks the time to spend with Juniper Creek. Tune in to HBO for more amore with their award-winning show, Big Love.

MTV’s Video Music Awards, MTV, 10:00pm -

Nobody knows who the host is, or why the performances seemed so wack, but the 25th annual VMA’s had its moments of brillance. With Lil Wayne, T.I. and Rihanna as some of the acts, be sure to check this one out if you haven’t already!

SUNDAY:

The Godfather III, Cinemax, 6:00pm –

Francis Ford Coppolla returns with his third installment of the wildly popular Mario Puzo novels. In The Godfather III, a guilt ridden Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), is worried about his empire and his offspring’s safety.

Bully, IFC, 8:00pm -

Aimless Florida teens gather together to murder one of their own in this film based on a true story. Nick Stahl plays a physical, psychological and sexually abusive intimidator. Brad Renfro and Rachel Miner are along for the ride in this must see flick!

True Blood, HBO, 9:00pm -

MUST WATCH! In this second episode of this much hyped series, True Blood, finds characters Bill and Sookie escaping the wrath of the Rattrays and Jason is left unnerved when faced with being in front of Compton’s antebellum mansion.

Entourage, HBO, 10:00pm -

Ari worries about coming clean to Vince about the status of his career; Eric turns to a former associate about shopping a promising script and Drama pays a price for his obsessive contact with Jacqueline. A must see episode airs on Sunday at 10:00pm on HBO!

I Dreamed of Africa, HBO, 5:00pm -

This is a film released in 2000 which stars Kim Basinger, Vincent Perez, Eva Marie Saintand Daniel Craig. Based on the autobiography of Kuki Gallmann, an Italian who moved to Kenya and became involved in conservation work is an interesting flick to chill out to fresh after getting off of work.

Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, ION, 6:00pm -

In part 1 of a 2-part series, Mark (Mark Curry) is torn between a coaching job and a tryout with the Golden State Warriors. Playing in the league has always been Coop’s dream, but who ultimately has his heart. Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullin and Don Nelsonguest star.

Ultimate Thrill: Fast and Frightening, Travel Channel, 7:00pm -

The latest and greatest generation of thrill rides are examined in crystal HDTV clarity tonight as the Travel Channel presents, Ultimate Thrill: Fast and Frightening. Fasten your seatbelt for this one, kiddos!

Access Granted, BET, 8:00pm -

MUST WATCH! Hello, Beautiful’s favorite singer, Musiq Soulchild, will be allowing you an all-access pass on the set of his new video, “Radio.” On BET, tonight at 8 o’clock, be sure to tune in to the latest in hip-hop and R&B.

MonsterQuest, History Channel, 9:00pm -

The stories of a giant octopus may be fodder for horror sea tales to tuck the lil’ ones in to bed at night, but the History Channel explores the story fully as expert, critic and historians all get together to talk about this mythical monster – able to sink boats – on the Award-winning, MonsterQuest.

Sex… With Mom & Dad, MTV, 7:00pm -

This new MTV program finds children interacting candidly with their folks about the ins and outs of doing the in-and-out. With Maury Povich, Jerry Springer and AIDS running rampant – this show serves as a healthy alternative to bring awareness to sex and helps to bridge the communication gap between sexually active youth and their parents.

Ugly Betty, ABC, 8:00pm -

New Mode magazine editor, Wilhemina, tries to convince Betty to be her direct assistant, but Betty is unsure of taking the gig. Meanwhile, Daniel tries to keep his son in the U.S. and through trying to play the game, he hits a snag in the process. In the end, Christina finally finds a reason to be leery of his husband. All that and more on Ugly Betty at 8:00pm.

Smallville, CW, 8:00pm -

Chloe and Clark are the stars of tonight’s episode as Oliver (Green Arrow) collapses to an unknown illness and together they find out that the hero-in-secret only has hours to live. In hopes of finding a cure, Chloe and Clark go on the hunt and are faced against an immeasurable odd – that Chloe helps to get rid of – much to Clark’s surprise.

Supernatural, CW, 9:00pm -

MUST WATCH! Dean is sent back in time and meets his parents as they’re on the verge of falling in love. The Winchester Boy’s grandfather may also be holding an important key to the puzzle as the brothers try to figure out what their case is all about. All that and more tonight at 9:00pm!

Jennifer Hudson: In The Spotlight, BET, 10:00pm -

The Oscar Award winning, American Idol reject who’s star power grew after her dazzling performance in Dreamgirls sits down with BET to talk about her self-titled debut album. In addition to speaking on the ups and downs of her career, hinting at a few love interests and being the cutie-pie that she regularly is – the Chicago songstress also performs choice cuts from the album. Be sure to join Jennifer Hudson - In The Spotlight – at 10:00pm.

Little Britain U.S.A., HBO, 11:00pm -

The premiere of this British sketch-comedy series, Little Britain U.S.A. finds stars, Lou and Andy embarking on a vacation to the States; welcoming Rosie O’Donnell to a weight-loss meeting and a woman has a serious heart-to-heart (…with too much info…) about drug use with her grandson. Get some laughs from the other side of the pond, courtesy of HBO at 11:00pm!