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With TV offering new programming virtually year-round, networks don’t trumpet their November "sweeps" offerings as loudly as they once did, but sweeps are still important enough for advertisers that any network that wins the month is going to brag about it. (And, because of various demographic breakdowns, there are a lot of ways to win.)
Sweeps run today through Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. It brings audience-generating guest stars, stunts, crossover appearances, awards shows and general goofiness, all in hopes of grabbing your attention. We break down some of what you’ll see, limiting ourselves to the five major commercial-broadcast networks. What’s newV: ABC launches this "reimagining" of the 1980s series about Earth-visiting aliens who seem benevolent but have a hidden world-domination agenda. Thing is, they’ll have a tough time merely achieving ratings domination, since this show will air against the potent NCIS. And although an early pilot looked good, buzz has been growing that the series — which will air four episodes in November and then take a break — is having problems. Dallas’ Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost) stars, along with Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch (who already dealt with weird doings in The 4400), Lourdes Benedicto, Laura Vandervoort, Scott Wolf and Morena Baccarin. Premieres 7 p.m. Tuesday, WFAA/Channel 8The Wanda Sykes Show: The outspoken comedian-actress really gets to be outspoken with a topical late-night talk series featuring regular panelists and weekly guests. Premieres 10 p.m. Nov. 7, KDFW/Channel 4What’s ending (for now)America’s Next Top Model: The "cycle 13" winner is chosen. Meanwhile, we continue to wonder what happened to past winners, other than their occasional cameos on ANTM episodes. A season — er, cycle retrospective follows. 7 p.m. Nov. 18, KDAF/Channel 33Dancing With the Stars: At this writing, Donny Osmond, Mya and Mark "The Chairman" Dacascos look like the favorites to be in the finale, but predicting anything with this show is risky, especially given how erratic folks have been this season. Whoever makes it to the finale will be dancing Nov. 23 and getting the word on who gets the disco-ball trophy Nov. 24. 7 p.m. Nov. 23, 8 p.m. Nov. 24, WFAA/Channel 8Be our guest30 Rock: Not only does Dallas-bred ventriloquist Jeff Dunham have his own new hit Comedy Central show, but he also has a cameo on this week’s 30 Rock, which also features Betty White, as Jack and Liz (Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey) take a trip down South to seek a new star for their struggling TV show. More cameos to come: NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams shows up next week. 8:30 p.m. Thursday (tonight), KXAS/Channel 5Gossip Girl: GG is practically a factory of sweeps guest stars and stunts. Not only does Hilary Duff continue her recurring role as actress Olivia, on Monday’s episode she (Olivia, that is) appears on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (hey, that’s an NBC show!) with Fallon playing himself. The Nov. 9 episode features GG star Leighton Meester’s new single, Somebody to Love, recorded with R&B star Robin Thicke. And Lady Gaga performs in the Nov. 16 episode. 8 p.m. Mondays, KDAF/Channel 33
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