Specials & miniseries "COMANCHE MOON"

8 p.m. Jan. 13, 15 & 16, WCCO, Ch. 4

This prequel to 1989's "Lonesome Dove" was scheduled to air between Christmas and New Year's Day, also known as the time period from hell. That was before the writers' strike and, perhaps, before CBS executives realized just what they had on their hands. Bloodier and faster-paced than its predecessor, the miniseries still takes time to showcase its calvacade of characters, most notably part-time philosopher/part-time gunslinger Gus McCrae. I would never have imagined stringy Steve Zahn (right) in the same role as tough-as-horseshoes Robert Duvall, but he shows enough gumption and grit to erase any doubt. You don't have to revisit "Dove" before going back to the really Old West -- but it wouldn't hurt.

"THE 65TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS"

7 p.m. Jan. 13, KARE, Ch. 11

What if you threw a party and nobody came? That's the question facing organizers of this pre-Oscar favorite. The writers' strike might trigger no-shows in both the audience and behind the scenes.

"HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSIC IN YOU"

7 p.m. Jan. 20, Disney Channel

"HSM" fans don't have to wait until the third film to get their singin' and dancin' fix. This documentary, directed by Barbara Kopple, spotlights a Texas theater company putting together a stage version of the show.

"THE RUSSELL GIRL"

8 p.m. Jan. 27, WCCO, Ch. 4

Amber Tamblyn, star of the critically acclaimed "Joan of Arcadia," returns to CBS under the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" banner. She plays a big-city store buyer who returns to her small-town roots and, we assume, learns some big lessons.

"BERNARD AND DORIS"

7 p.m. Feb. 9, HBO

If Bette Davis were still kicking, she'd be making a Doris Duke movie every year. Bette's loss is Susan Sarandon's gain. Ralph Fiennes co-stars as the butler who inherits the socialite's fortune. Is it too early to give both of them the 2009 Emmys?

"A RAISIN IN THE SUN"

7 p.m. Feb. 25, KSTP, Ch. 5

The Broadway cast, which includes Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald and Sean Combs, reunites for a three-hour movie adaptation, bringing some much needed class to February sweeps.

Reality shows "AMERICAN IDOL"

Premieres: 7 p.m. Jan. 15, KMSP, Ch. 9

The networks are offering viewers "bonus" runs of their hit reality shows, but in the Season of the Strike, "bonus" means "desperation." To fill airtime, we've got "Survivor" (7 p.m. Feb. 7, WCCO, Ch. 4), "Big Brother" (8 p.m. Feb. 12, WCCO, Ch. 4) and the "Dancing With the Stars" spinoff "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann" (7 p.m. Monday, KSTP, Ch. 5). It's business as usual, however, for "American Idol," which returns at its regular time with its regular hoopla. There was no Twin Cities stop this year, but maybe some local talent got the judges' attention during the tryout in Omaha. As usual, producers are mum on details, but you can expect another "Idol Gives Back" mega-concert on April 9 with a late May finale. And don't be surprised if Fox tries to take advantage of its franchise star by offering us "bonus" nights of coverage. All together now: Desperation.

"HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?"

Premieres: 8 p.m. Tue., GSN

That's the question you'll be asking yourself after 15 minutes of this game show in which contestants try to cash in before other greedy contestants. Last one in gets nada. Interesting premise for a party, but a bit lame for an entire series.

"HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKED"

8 p.m. Fridays, Lifetime

Carson Kressley sweet-talks average American women into bringing out their inner divas in this well-meaning series. Only problem is that every episode is almost exactly the same, right down to Kressley's corny jokes.

"CELEBRITY REHAB WITH DR. DREW"

Premieres: 9 p.m. Thu., VH1

Semi-celebrities, almost all of whom have appeared on past reality shows, try to stay sober together in a Pasadena treatment center. It's a bizarre balance of the absurd (porn star Mary Carey tries to smuggle in vibrators) and the frightening (actor Jeff Conaway is literally on the verge of death).

"THE MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER"

Premieres: 10 p.m. Jan. 22, Bravo

The next best thing to earning success is marrying it. That's the philosophy of a love-connection agency that offers golddiggers -- I mean, well-intentioned ladies -- the chance to meet bachelors who have everything but love. Awww. And ughhh.

"PARADISE HOTEL 2"

Premieres: 8 p.m. Feb. 4, WFTC, Ch. 29.

Those who like their reality TV sleazy and silly will want to check into this sequel that's high on both aspects. I dare anyone to find more than a minute of action that doesn't include a cocktail or a bikini. A TV-MA version (More cocktails! More bikinis!) airs at midnight on Fox Reality following MyNetwork runs.