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Season Finales and Season Enders Dominate Programming This Week

© F. Colin Kingston

This week we look at some of the many series finales and season ending episodes that air during this last full week of "sweeps." This is one of four times during the year that ratings help determine the advertising rates that each network and station can charge for commercials. Because of this, each network is bringing out their big guns to lure more viewers and thus make more money. This week we also have our usual features ³This Week in TV History² and my tv viewing recommendations for the week.

Next week we begin our annual review of the new fall television schedules for the major broadcast television networks. Many dramatic changes are in store. Stay tuned.

This Week in TV History:MR. ROGERS NEIGHBORHOOD premieres on the PBS television network on May 22, 1967. Still one of the most popular series on PBS, Rogers is a Presbyterian minister who uses puppets and human characters in his make believe neighborhood. Several generations of children have grown up watching the series which is one of the most positive influences on television.

Here are my tv viewing recommendations for the week. Enjoy!

Saturday, May 22nd DR. QUINN: MEDICINE WOMAN, CBS, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m., PST Cast members from the 1983 - 1998 television series reunite for this two-hour movie of the week. In this adventure, Doc Mike and Sully search for their kidnapped daughter.

THE PRETENDER, NBC, 9:00 - 11:00 p.m., PST Jarod finally finds his father but assassins from the Centre are hot on their trail. Former James Bond star George Lazenby guest stars.

Sunday, May 23rd HERCULES, ABC, Wonderful World of Disney, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., PST Kids will enjoy this animated tale which bears no resemblance to the live-action series.

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL, CBS, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., PST Astronaut Sally Ride guest stars in this episode about faith and Charles Lindbergh.

Monday, May 24th 7TH HEAVEN, WB, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., PST Last week eldest son Matt stole the bride-to-be away just before her wedding. This season finale finds Matt choosing between his first love and Dana. Meanwhile, the family wonders if Matt has gotten married.

MAD ABOUT YOU, NBC, 9:00 - 10:00 p.m., PST The series ends its seven year run with an episode directed by co-star Helen Hunt.

Tuesday, May 25 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, NBC, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., PST Who else but William Shatner could play ³The Big Giant Head²?

HOME IMPROVEMENT, ABC, 8:00 - 9:30 p.m., PST The is the final episode of one of the few comedies on tv today. Afterward, stay tuned for cast interviews, clips and out takes.

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