TV Daily

Weekend Pick

Showtime / Christian Weber

If you don't get premium cable and you've been searching high and low for a scripted drama worth watching, take note: The first season of serial-killer drama "Dexter" (10 p.m. EST on Sunday Feb. 17 on CBS) is making the transition to network TV this weekend, reportedly without a few of the sexier and bloodier scenes from the original. While longtime fans of this series might ask, "Dexter, without the sex and the blood? How is that even possible?" your typical, slightly squeamish viewer might find a kindler, gentler Dexter a more lovable Dexter. And let's face it, for all of his obvious flaws, Michael C. Hall's vengeful but detail-oriented murderer is unquestionably lovable. Even if the cheerful killing sprees bring you down, the alternately brooding and breezy tone and the surreal style of this dark comedy are worth a look if you've never seen it before.

-- H.H.

Also…

On Friday, the "NBA All-Star Celebrity Game" kicks off at 7 p.m. EST on ESPN, and Don Cheadle stars in the 2004 film "Hotel Rwanda" (8 p.m. EST on MNT). The first part of a two-part finale of "Monk" premieres at 9 p.m. EST on USA, while Carson Kressley wraps his feel-good makeover show "How to Look Good Naked" (9 p.m. EST on Lifetime). On Saturday, "Torchwood" airs at 9 p.m. EST on BBC America, while on "Smash Lab," engineers imagine new ways to save people from burning skyscrapers (10 p.m. EST on Discovery). On Sunday, Jim Sheridan's heartbreaking film "In America" airs at 7:05 p.m. EST on IFC, while the future for polar bears is the focus of "Nature" (8 p.m. EST on PBS, check listings). Clay Davis seeks legal help on "The Wire" (9 p.m. EST on HBO), part 2 of 3-part series "Pride and Prejudice" airs on "Masterpiece" (9 p.m. EST on PBS, check listings), and Walter's wife, Skyler, learns about his cancer on "Breaking Bad" (10 p.m. EST on AMC).

Thursday night

What did you think of "Survivor: Micronesia -- Fans vs. Favorites" on Thursday? Go here to discuss.

On the talk shows -- Friday

Contributors: Molly Eichel, Heather Havrilesky, Amy Reiter, Charly Wilder

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