Network TV’s arbitrary Winter Hiatus is in effect for many of our favorite shows, but it’s still a big week for lesbian visibility. Ellen DeGeneres is making her long-awaited debut on American Idol; Heroes is airing its season (and perhaps series) finale; Rosie O.‘s family special is repeating on HBO; Carol Leifer is stopping by The Wanda Sykes Show; and the Winter Olympics kick off in Vancouver. When? You ask. Where? Keep reading!
24 (Fox, 9:00) — President Taylor (played by out actress Cherry Jones) runs up against staunch opposition at the United Nations when she presents her peacekeeping plan. MacGruber is undercover this week.
Heroes (NBC, 9:00) — Claire and Noah are fighting for their lives while trapped underground, which probably doesn’t leave much time for canoodling with Gretchen. Heroes‘ ratings have been dismal this year. If you love it, make sure you tune in. This could be your last chance. [AfterEllen.com Heroes recaps]
American Idol (Fox, 8:00) — Hollywood Week is finally here, and that means one thing: Ellen! All eyes are the world’s most famous lesbian as she joins the judging panel of the most popular show in the country.
Biggest Loser: Couples (NBC, 9:00) — Will Jillian Michaels make Melissa cry again? She might make everyone cry; they’re all headed back to the ranch.
Rosie O’Donnell presents A Family is a Family is a Family (HBO, 8:00) — Need a shot of sugary optimism about the state of LGBT families in the America? If so, Rosie’s documentary is a don’t miss.
American Idol (Fox, 9:00) — Oh, did we mention that Ellen and Simon may or may not be in a brawl? We don’t blame her.
The Real World: Washington DC (MTV, 10:00) — Mike’s headed out on a date with a dude, while everyone else is forced to pick sides between Ashley and Erica. [AfterEllen.com Real World recaps]
New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS, 8:00) — After a brief hiatus, Christine is back, and that means Wanda Sykes is on your TV twice a weeek!
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 9:00) — Valentine’s Day at Seattle Grace can only mean two things: doom and destruction. Callie and Arizona set Bailey up on a date. And somewhere a roof of dining lovers collapses.[AfterEllen.com Grey’s Anatomy recaps]
Skins (Britain’s E4, 10:00 GMT) — After last week’s heart-wrenching episode, it’s time to focus on Cook. And find out why the bloody hell Naomi was kissing him in the preview. [AfterEllen.com Skins recaps]
Winter Olympics (NBC) — The Winter Olympics kick off in Vancouver on Friday. We’ll have plenty of coverage at AfterEllen.com, plus an introduction to the lesbian athletes from around the world. Stay tuned!
The Rachel Maddow Show, week nights at 9:00 on MSNBC.
Issues with Jane Valez-Mitchell, nightly at 7:00 on CNN’s Headline News.
The Suze Orman Show, Saturdays at 5 a.m., 9 p.m., and 12 a.m. on CNBC.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show, daytime weekdays. This week’s guests: Jessica Alba, Emily Blunt, Demi Moore, Channing Tatum, Patrick Dempsey and Kym Douglas.
Valentine’s Day, in theaters Friday — There are no lesbian couples in this star-studded rom-com, but Bradley Cooper and Eric Dane play a gay couple. Everyone else in Hollywood is involved in the project too. It’s an Americanized Love Actually, with more pink and less excellent accents.
The Stepfather, on DVD Tuesday — Paige Turco plays Sela Ward‘s lesbian sister in this remake of the ’80s horror flick, in which Dan Humphrey gets almost killed by his new step-dad.
Stumptown #3, on stands Wednesday — Greg Rucka‘s lesbian PI/gambling addict is back for her third issue. She’s still working a missing person’s case to pay off her gambling debts. It’s a good deal if she doesn’t, you know, get killed first.
What are you most looking forward to this week?
