Marriage, parenthood in the lineup

Published 4:00 am Sunday, February 28, 2010

“The Marriage Ref”

10:30 tonight, NBC

Yes, all those promotional ads during the Olympics got on our nerves — but they also piqued our curiosity.

Why would Jerry Seinfeld, who led one of television’s landmark sitcoms, want to produce a goofy reality series that has celebrities serving as arbiters in marital disputes? Last we checked, celebrities don’t have a standout track record when it comes to relationships.

Still, it looks like this show has the makings of a delirious train wreck, so count us in for at least one viewing. By Week 2, we might be ready to file for divorce.

2010 Winter Olympics

Noon and 7 p.m. today, NBC

For millions of bleary-eyed viewers, the finish line is now in sight. Vancouver’s Winter Olympics come to an end today, but before they blow out the torch, they’ve got a couple more events — including the gold-medal hockey game — and closing ceremonies.

“Masterpiece Classic”

9 tonight, PBS

“Masterpiece Classic” offers up a suspenseful adaptation of “The 39 Steps,” John Buchan’s WWI adventure saga about a former intelligence officer (Rupert Penry-Jones) who is pursued by German agents for a murder he didn’t commit. But would Hitchcock approve?

“How I Met Your Mother”

8 p.m. Monday, CBS

She can sell records by the millions, but can Carrie Underwood act? The country music superstar drops by “How I Met Your Mother” to play Ted’s latest girlfriend. Our advice? He’d better think before he cheats.

“The Bachelor”

8 p.m. Monday, ABC

It’s decision time on “The Bachelor,” where maybe a rose and ring will be handed out and two reality show stars will begin a life of eternal bliss. Yeah, and maybe they’ll ride off into the clouds on a unicorn.

“The Big Bang Theory”

9:31 p.m. Monday, CBS

Sounds like “The Big Bang Theory” might feature a big temper tantrum. Tonight, Sheldon gets a traffic ticket because of Penny, causing him to miss his chance to meet comic book legend Stan Lee.

“Parenthood”

10 p.m. Tuesday, NBC

Several familiar faces, including Lauren Graham, Peter Krause and Craig T. Nelson, star in “Parenthood.” But, alas, Steve Martin is nowhere to be found in this new drama loosely based on the hilarious 1989 big-screen movie.

“Nip/Tuck”

10 p.m. Wednesday, FX

After dwelling on the cutting edge for six seasons, the plastic surgery drama “Nip/Tuck” retires its scalpel in tonight’s series finale. So say goodbye to Sean and Christian, the over-the-top plots and all those icky-gross surgeries.

“Oprah Winfrey Oscar Special”

10:01 p.m. Wednesday, ABC

On the “Oprah Winfrey Oscar Special,” movie stars interview other movie stars. Among the pairings: Halle Berry-Penelope Cruz, Ben Affleck-Jeremy Renner and this juicy one from “Fatal Attraction”: Glenn Close-Michael Douglas.

“The Office”

9 p.m. Thursday, NBC

It’s the big day on “The Office” as an antsy Jim and Pam welcome their first child into the world. Unfortunately, clueless “uncle” Michael is once again sticking his nose in where it doesn’t belong.

Independent Spirit Awards

8 p.m. Friday, IFC

Eddie Izzard hosts the 25th annual Independent Spirit Awards from downtown Los Angeles. Essentially, it’s the Oscars — only with a laid-back style and fewer stuffed shirts.

“Bull Durham”

7 p.m. Saturday, CMT

Spring training has started and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a fresh viewing of “Bull Durham.” Not only does it get us stoked for baseball, it takes us back to a sweeter time when Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins seemed happy together.

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