SundayJane Fonda hasn't exactly been setting the big screen on fire lately, but she still has chops, as she reminds us with a small but unforgettable appearance as a cable-news owner in a terrific new episode of "The Newsroom" (9 p.m., HBO). CNN founder Ted Turner, Fonda's ex-husband, should be beaming with pride.
MondayTom Waits did two Minnesota bands -- Trampled by Turtles and Poliça -- a big favor when he canceled late-night performances this past April, forcing shows to book the two groups as last-minute replacements. Waits is now scheduled to be on "The Late Show With David Letterman" (10:35 p.m., WCCO, Ch. 4) Monday and "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" (11:35 p.m., KARE, Ch. 11). In case of another 11th-hour cancellation, we hear Dessa is waiting by her phone.
TuesdayExecutive producer Terence Wrong once again proves you don't need a bomb in a patient's chest to motor a strong medical show. "NY Med" (9 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5), his latest documentary series, tracks the action at one of the country's busiest hospitals where the doctors and nurses are just as complex and compelling as anyone doing rounds on "Grey's Anatomy."
WednesdayMinnesota's own Lindsey Vonn is looking to defend her title and, no, they haven't moved up the Winter Olympics. Vonn is looking to make it three in a row as best female athlete at "The 2012 ESPYs Awards" (8 p.m., ESPN). Former "Daily Show" correspondent Rob Riggle will start as host, but could be replaced at any moment by Tim Tebow.
Thursday"Big Brother" (8 p.m., WCCO, Ch. 4), also known around the CBS halls as "The Original Glass House," returns for a 14th season of flirting, silly games, tirades and lots of drinking. The winner gets $500,000 and a chance to brag to friends that he or she once met Julie Chen.
NEAL JUSTIN
