FRIDAY
Best bet on broadcast: Fox, “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?,” 8 p.m. Season premiere. Kathy Ireland appears as the show returns for season three.
Best bet on cable: USA, “Monk,” 9 p.m. In the comedy series’ 100th episode, guest stars from past episodes, including John Turturro, Sarah Silverman and Andy Richter, return as Monk tries to solve his 100th murder.
Top special: ABC, CBS and NBC, “Stand Up to Cancer,” 8 p.m. The three networks’ evening news anchor host this cancer research telethon, including appearances from loads of celebrities.
SATURDAY
Best bet on broadcast: CBS, “U.S. Open Women’s Final,” 8 p.m. Serena already beat big sis Venus in the most-hyped women’s match of the week, but the real title won’t be decided until tonight.
Best bet on cable: WE, “The Locator,” 9 p.m. Series premiere. Back-to-back episodes highlight Troy Dunn, who reunites long-lost loved ones.
Top sporting event: ESPN, “Miami at Florida,” 8 p.m. The Florida rivals square off in this matchup of neighboring programs.
SUNDAY
Best bet on pay cable: HBO, “True Blood,” 9 p.m. Series premiere. Alan Ball, the man behind “Six Feet Under,” goes from writing about the dead to the undead with this drama about vampires. The network’s still looking for its first post-“Sopranos” hit.
Best bet on basic cable: MTV, “Video Music Awards,” 9 p.m. Britney Spears isn’t performing at this year’s “VMAs,” but she will make an appearance. Which should be enough to goose ratings after last year’s disastrous performance.
Top sporting event: CBS and Fox, “NFL Games,” 1 p.m. Regionalized action on the first weekend of pro football.
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A look at this week’s top TV draws
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
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Time
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Network
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Program
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Description
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7:30 p.m.
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ESPN Classic
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“Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony” (S)
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Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon are among the inductees.
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8 p.m.
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CBS, NBC, ABC
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“Stand Up to Cancer” (A)
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A cross-network fundraiser featuring a host of celebrities.
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9 p.m.
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NBC
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“NFL Opening Kickoff 2008” (A)
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Musical performers include Keith Urban and Usher.
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9 p.m.
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USA
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“Monk” (D)
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Monk solves his 100th murder case.
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10 p.m.
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CBS
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“Swingtown” (D)
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Season finale. Tom and Trina host a clambake and key party.
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10 p.m.
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ESPN
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“Major League Baseball” (S)
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A big NL West game between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
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Time
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Network
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Program
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Description
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3:30 p.m.
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NBC
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“College Football” (S)
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San Diego
State
takes on Notre Dame for the first time in its history.
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3:30 p.m.
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Fox
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“Major League Baseball” (S)
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Today we have Twins-Tigers, Mets-Phillies or Dodgers-Diamondbacks.
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7:30 p.m.
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ABC
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“NASCAR Racing” (S)
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The Chevy Rock & Roll 500 in Richmond.
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8 p.m.
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CBS
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“Tennis” (S)
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The women’s final at the U.S. Open.
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8 p.m.
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Fox
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“Cops” (R)
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Season premiere. Cops in Broward County, Fla., open the 21st season.
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8 p.m.
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ESPN
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“College Football” (S)
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Miami
takes on Florida in Gainesville.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
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Time
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Network
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Program
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Description
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4 p.m.
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CBS
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“Tennis” (S)
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The U.S. Open men’s final.
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8 p.m.
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CBS
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“Big Brother” (R)
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Nominations for next week’s eviction are revealed.
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8:15 p.m.
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NBC
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“Sunday Night Football” (S)
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The Bears and Colts in the season opener for both.
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9 p.m.
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ABC
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“America United: In Support of Our Troops” (A)
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A range of performers pay tribute to American soldiers.
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9 p.m.
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History
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“Ice Road Truckers” (R)
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Season finale. High and Eric challenge each other in a personal race.
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9 p.m.
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MTV
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“MTV Video Music Awards” (A)
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Russell Brand hosts the 25th annual event.
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10 p.m.
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AMC
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“Mad Men” (D)
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Don buys a car to reflect his executive status.
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A = awards show or special, C = comedy, D = drama, DD = daytime drama, G = game show, K = kids, M = movie, N = news/documentary, R = reality, S = sports, T = talk/variety show.
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