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Programming -- besides the Olympics -- to consider watching

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Submitted by SHNS on Thu, 08/07/2008 - 15:47

Olympics not your thing? Or at least casting about for something else to watch as a break from the wall-to-wall-to-wall coverage?Here are a few possibilities ...After vying against each other for a music contract in CMT's "Gone Country" earlier this year, the unlikely trio of Maureen McCormick ("The Brady Bunch"), Bobby Brown and Carnie Wilson are shipped off to Newport, Tenn., in a spin-off called "Outsider's Inn" (9 p.m. EDT, Friday, Aug. 15, CMT)."They were just great characters in 'Gone Country' and threw themselves into it. 'Gone Country' is a total fish-out-of-water show, where these guys came in from their homes, threw themselves into Nashville lifestyle and it was a blast to watch," says Bob Kusbit, head of CMT development."They were such fun to work with. The producers came and said, 'We have to get these guys involved in some other programming.' So we really tried to find a show that was ... a fish-out-of-water-type show again that allowed them to interact with real people."The series was shot in June in the tranquil East Tennessee town, where going to Wal-Mart or the local Cracker Barrel are part of the excitement."Inn" has the three running a secluded resort for a few weeks. In the opener, McCormick takes over the business, which she dubs "Pigeon Manor" (though, in reality, the inn is called Christopher Place). She recruits Brown to be its entertainment director and Wilson to be its chef.Touted as a "reality series," "Inn" is actually an improvised comedy, complete with some actors filling parts. The reality aspect comes from the reactions of the stars, who are set up for situations by the producers."I went to go get my apron in the kitchen, and there was a massive goat there," Wilson recalled. "I screamed."The three faced bulls, bears and all sort of other wildlife, some of which were brought to the inn to test the patience of the all-star staff.Imagine how bad it was for Brown, who has a fear of large animals. He especially doesn't like big dogs. "I didn't realize it until we started shooting," says Jay Renfroe, a producer."Bobby could check a guest in, and then he turns around and there might be (an animal there) for him to contend with. He certainly didn't have it easy."Other highlights for the week of Aug. 10-16 (all times EDT; listings subject to change; check local listings):SUNDAY-- "Made" (1 p.m., MTV). Skateboarder Tony Hawk hosts this five-hour marathon of the makeover show.MONDAY-- "Elvis: Viva Las Vegas" (8 p.m., CMT). Remembering Elvis, today's hot stars cover a few of his tunes. (Check out rappers Three 6 Mafia doing "In the Ghetto".)-- "The American Mall" (9 p.m., MTV). A songwriter and a janitor harboring rock-star dreams come up against the evil daughter of a mall owner. Oh, that old story!TUESDAY-- "Million Dollar Listing" (10 p.m., Bravo). The real-estate reality show moves to a new neighborhood, starting this week.WEDNESDAY-- "Skins" (9 p.m., BBC America). British kids get drunk and do other naughty things in this hit comedy-drama. Think of it as "Gossip Girl" with classy accents.THURSDAY-- "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List" (10 p.m., Bravo). The comedian visits Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.-- "Blog Cabin" (9 p.m., DIY). The interactive home-building series starts a second season.SATURDAY-- "The Dish" (10 p.m., The Style Network). The new series looks at the week's highlights in everything from fashion to train-wreck television.(E-mail Terry Morrow of The Knoxville News-Sentinel in Tennessee at morrow2(at)knews.com.)