What's Coming Up On ABC? Strike Schedule Released

In my inbox this week is ABC’s just-released strike schedule, which includes Oprah’s Big Give, a new unscripted series airing Sundays at 9 p.m., pushing Desperate Housewives into the 10 p.m. slot. The first primetime series from Harpo Productions, Give is all about giving away money to make a difference in peoples’ lives across the country. Each week, contestants will face a challenge that’ll test their nerve, drive and passion, with one person ultimately being chosen as The Biggest Giver. Cynical me wonders what they get out of it, though. The undying gratitude of all the recipients? How do I get on the list? I’m as grateful as the next girl.

On the flip side of that, look for a special premiere of Cashmere Mafia on Thursday, Jan. 3, before moving into its regular time slot of Wednesday at 10 p.m. The series stars Bonnie Somerville, Frances O’Connor, Lucy Liu, and Miranda Otto as four Manhattan women at the top of the executive ladder. That’s some serious girl-power there, and you’ll recognize Miranda Otto as Eowyn from Lord of the Rings movies II and III.

Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann will premiere with a two-hour special Monday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. The series brings two of the Dancing With the Stars judges into their own, battling it out on the dance floor to create the ultimate performance group. Second-season DWTS champ Drew Lachey was so popular filling in for pregnant Samantha Harris that they gave him the host spot on this series.

In other news, According to Jim returns Tuesday, Jan. 1 at 9 p.m. Big Shots returns Jan. 10. Samantha Who? returns with new episodes in February. And Dancing With the Stars and The Bachelor premiere new seasons on Monday, March 17.