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Top T.V. To Watch This March

Mike Vulpo |
March 2, 2011 | 7:14 p.m. PST

Columnist

The Orange County Housewives are back this March on BRAVO (courtesy of BRAVO)
The Orange County Housewives are back this March on BRAVO (courtesy of BRAVO)
“America’s Next Great Restaurant,” NBC, March 6, 8 p.m. 

Bobby Flay, Curtis Stone, Steve Ells and Lorena Garcia come together for NBC’s search for the next big restaurant chain. The four judges will serve as investors and help decide which finalist has the right food and concept to open the next Chipotle, or successful chain. In actuality, the prize is only three locations in Hollywood, New York City and Minneapolis. Nonetheless, how does a restaurant specializing in meatballs or Mac-and-Cheese sound? It’s just a sample of what you will see on NBC’s latest reality show.

“The Celebrity Apprentice,” NBC, March 6, 9 p.m. 

Donald Trump returns as the big boss in the fourth installment of “The Celebrity Apprentice.” D-listers and the occasional big-name star appear fighting for his or her’s charity. Contestants this season include La Toya Jackson, Lil John, Mark McGrath and Lisa Rinna. Other contenders who will provide plenty of drama and fights include Star Jones vs. NeNe Leakes and Gary Busey vs. Meatloaf. 

“The Real Housewives of Orange County,” BRAVO, March 6, 10 p.m.

The city that started it all is back for a sixth, yes you read that right, sixth season. Vicki, Tamra, Gretchen and Alexis are back leaving Lynn out but bringing a new blond named Peggy in. This season, viewers will watch Tamra find a new man after a difficult divorce from Simon, Vicki will sadly get a divorce, Alexis will suffer financial troubles and Gretchen will have doubts about marrying long-time boyfriend Slade Smiley. Finally, the season will end with Tamra throwing a drink at former Housewife Jeana and delivering a cease and desist.

“After Lately,” E!, March 6, 11 p.m.

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at the successful late-night program “Chelsea Lately?” Here is your chance to find out as cameras follow Chelsea Hander, Chuy and the rest of the staff before and after each show is made. Expect plenty of satire, jokes and scandalous behavior only Chelsea and her staff can think of.

“Secret Millionaire,” ABC, March 6, 8 p.m.

Every week, self-made millionaires will travel to poor neighborhoods throughout the United States looking to recognize deserving individuals. In episode one, the chosen millionaire volunteers at the Love Kitchen where she meets two deserving heroes. After one week volunteering, the millionaire reveals her economic status and surprises the deserving women with a huge prize. ABC hopes the hour will leave you inspired and motivated to do something good for others.

“Army Wives,” Lifetime, March 6, 9 p.m.

Lifetime is more than just a channel with cheesy TV movies (remember “The Pregnancy Pact?”). Their surprise hit “Army Wives” is back and continues to follow a diverse group of women and one man dealing with their significant others away in the army. The new season’s trailer warns viewers that what is coming up is something nobody was prepared for.  The series, based on the popular book Army Wives by Tanya Biank, continues to captivate audiences and not get too outrageous. Biank is in fact, one of the show’s consultants.

“The Real World: Las Vegas,” MTV, March 9, 10 p.m.

After a longer than normal break from any sort of “Real World” or challenge show, MTV finally gives us a new season, this time in Sin City. Evident from the trailer, these seven roommates are far from angels. Filmed at the Hard Rock Hotel, the cast goes through the usual hookups, physical altercations and regrets from too much alcohol. It looks like a great diversion from Snooki and company on “Jersey Shore.”

“Dancing With the Stars”, ABC, March 21, 8 p.m.

The 12th season of “Dancing With the Stars” is set to begin this month. Celebrities preparing to tango include Kirstie Alley, Kendra Wilkinson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Chris Jericho. Initial reaction from fans was disappointment with the visible unknown cast. Nonetheless, these stars work their butts off week after week and who isn’t curious to see Wendy Williams dance with her famous wigs?

“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and “Make It or Break It,” ABC Family, March 28, 8-10 p.m. 

These shows go hand-in-hand. They both are so unrealistic and full of unnecessary drama. Nonetheless, both of these shows deserve recognition because millions of teenage girls are infatuated with the story lines and dramatic relationships that last far too long. In “Secret Life,” who will get pregnant this season? In “Make it or Break it,” which gymnast will make it to Nationals and have their mom date the wrong guy? It may sound sarcastic, but in reality, there is a great chance these all will be story lines in the coming months.

“Nurse Jackie,” SHOWTIME, March 28, 10 p.m.  

The appropriate ad campaign, “Real life can be hard to swallow,” fits Edie Falco’s character to a T. In season three, Falco’s character, Nurse Jackie, continues to manage life as an addict, mother, wife and faithful nurse. The show has won Emmy’s and has a loyal fan base. In addition, right after each episode, the comedy continues with new episodes of the “United States of Tara starring Toni Collette playing a woman suffering from multiple personality disorder.

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