“The art of acting is to be other than what you are.”–Whoopi Goldberg
We See You: Sherri Shepherd
Monday, October 5:
TV: Wayne Brady the teflon TV host returns to the small screen hosting the new “Let’s Make A Deal,” the classic game show where contestants dress in costumes and play to win cash and prizes. The Emmy Award winning Brady, who has hosted “The Wayne Brady Show” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway,”and appeared on “Chappelle’s Show” seems to be the real champion. The one hour program premieres today at 10:00 a.m. ET on CBS (check local listings)
TV: Sherri Shepherd’s new show “Sherri” debuts tonight. “Sherri” is a comedy about a newly single mom, paralegal and part-time comdienne/actor who tries to get back into the dating scene after divorcing her cheating husband. Shepherd, “The View” co-host and co-star of “30 Rock”, will be joined with actors Malcolm-Jamal Warner and James Avery among other cast members. “Sherri” premieres tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET on Lifetime Television (check local listings)
TV: The second season of “Rita Rocks” begins tonight. Tisha Martin-Campbell plays Patty, Rita’s Postal Worker sidekick and fellow garage band member. “Rita Rocks” airs at 7:30 p.m. ET on Lifetime Television (check local listings)
TV: “Trauma” co-starring Derek Luke airs at 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC (check local listings)
TV: “The Mo’Nique Show” is the new late night talk show hosted by the actress and comdienne–she is the first Black woman to have a late night talk show. The Queen of Comedy’s first guest will be her friend, media mogul and fellow comedian Steve Harvey. “The Mo’Nique Show” airs at 11:00 p.m. ET on BET (check local listings)
Good News: CeCe and BeBe Winans
Tuesday, October 6:
Music: BeBe & CeCe Winans are releasing their new album “Still.” This is the first record from the Grammy winning gospel duo in 15 years. The collection of 12 songs includes the new single “Close To You.” Mary Mary and brother Marvin Winans make appearances on the album. “Still,” is a faith music with a blend of R&B, pop, jazz and soul sounds, will be available in stores and online today.
Music: Soul sister Meshell Ndegeocello is back with a new collection of music called “Devil’s Halo.” Ndegeocello keeps her funk roots in tact with a three-piece band and passionate and sultry songs. If you like real music, you’ll want to check out “Devil’s Halo” which is in stores and online today.
TV: “NCIS: Los Angeles” starring L.L. Cool J airs at 9:00 p.m. ET on CBS (check local listings)
TV: “The Biggest Loser” comes on at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC (check local listings)
Wednesday, October 7:
Happy Birthday: Singer Toni Braxton turns 40-something today. Bishop Desmond Tutu is 78
Thursday, October 8:
TV: “Community” co-starring Yvette Nicole Brown is on at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC (check local listings)
TV: “Parks and Recreation” with Rashida Jones airs at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC (check local listings)
TV: “Grey’s Anatomy” airs at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC (check local listings)
TV: “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” are going through it on TV and in real life. The season is winding down, but the drama is still going strong. “The RHoA” airs at 10:00 p.m. ET on Bravo (check local listings) Join the editors of ESSENCE.com as we live blog the second showing of “The RHoA” at 11:00 p.m. ET
Happy Birthday: Nick Cannon is 29 today
Good Movie: Nia Long and Chris Rock
Friday, October 9:
Film: “Good Hair” is one of the most talked about movies of the year. Comedian Chris Rock tackles the complicated subject of Black women and their hair in this funny, revealing and deep documentary. From self-esteem to finances, science to sexuality, Rock explores the mane event in this film. Nia Long, Maya Angelou and many others share their perspective. “Good Hair” will be in limited release today and opening wide on October 23. This is a must-see movie.
*The new issue of ESSENCE has a insightful roundtable about Black women and their hair.
Saturday, October 10:
TV: Closing out the week of Black women in comedy on TV is Wanda Sykes with her HBO comedy special “I’ma Be Me.” The show was taped in Washington D.C. in August and is full of Sykes’s wise-cracking, outspoken humor from her national comedy tour. Sykes also appears on “The Adventures Of Old Christine” and will debut her own late night talk show later this fall. Go ahead on Wanda Sykes. “I’ma Be Me” airs on HBO at 10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings)
* Let’s stop the violence and negative energy. Love yourself and others.