CLARK: Winter TV to warm the heart

A new year brings fresh programming to our television screens.

Whether returning favorites or specials, early 2010 offers up plenty to get TV addicts through the long winter nights.

Honestly, I'm not looking forward to all of the following shows, but a lot of people are, so here's a look at the perennial faves:

• "American Idol" — Jan. 12-13, Fox: Did I mention I wasn't looking forward to some of the shows? How annoying that the one I dread the most is the first one to debut. But, wait ...

there IS the divine absence of Paula Abdul to celebrate this season. Maybe it isn't totally bad, after all.

• "Project Runway" — Jan. 14, Lifetime: Lifetime took this competition/

reality show from Bravo and moved its fledgling season to Los Angeles from New York. Sure, it had Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum and the same challenges and all, but it really didn't feel the same. This season puts "Runway" back in the Big Apple where it belongs.

• "Golden Globe Awards" — Jan. 17, NBC: I have not completely forgiven the folks behind this awards show for the Jeremy Renner snub, but since the Modesto native's movie, "The Hurt Locker," is up for a best-picture trophy, I'll tune in. (Oh, OK, I would have tuned in, anyway.) Plus, Ricky Gervais, that caustic little cut-up, is hosting. There's also a bundle of TV awards set to be handed out.

• "24" — Jan. 17-18, Fox: Busy night, that Jan. 17. Guess "24" will have to be recorded for later viewing. A Grandpa Jack Bauer is not to be overlooked. Can't wait to see what kind of trouble gramps can uncover and save the world from this time.

• "Burn Notice" — Jan. 21, USA: One of TV's best mindlessly fun shows returns for a winter season of spies in the Miami heat. Michael, Fiona and Sam surely will keep the chill away.

• "Screen Actors Guild Awards" — Jan. 23, TNT & TBS: Normally I wouldn't include the SAGs, but with Renner and film both nominated this year, this awards show is a must-see for Modesto-area audiences.

• "Damages" — Jan. 25, FX: Glenn Close returns as the lawyer you love and hate in this always taut drama/thriller. Martin Short and Lily Tomlin join the cast, but, apparently, Modesto native Timothy Olyphant has left — see below.

• "Lost" — Feb. 2, ABC: It's the final season of this fantastic serial drama about the bizarre island, its time-traveling ilk and love triangles. Questions will be answered. Well, they better be. If not, there are going to be some sizzling red-hot message boards come finale night. Leaving things up in the air after all these years? That would be bad. Evil bad.

• "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" — Feb. 11, CBS: Aside from the first season and the one that featured a Merced woman, this isn't a show I watch. If spoiler blogs are to be believed, Katie Gallagher of Merced won't be a hero or villain this season. I'm sure many of you will watch, anyway.

• "Winter Olympics" — Feb. 12-28, NBC: Love. Love the Winter Olympics. More than the summer ones, actually. This year, the games are being held just upstairs in Vancouver, British Columbia.

• "The Amazing Race" — Feb. 14, CBS: I'm told by many that this is the best competition/reality show on TV, and since it keeps stealing the Emmy from my beloved "Top Chef," I have to assume that's a correct assessment. But it doesn't float my boat. Oh, maybe I'll give it a look this season. It would be better than "American Idol," anyway.

• "Justified" — March TBA, FX: Formerly titled "Lawman," this show stole Beyer High graduate Olyphant from the "Damages" cast to star in his own drama. Olyphant plays a modern-day lawman who wields a 19th-century style of justice. It's getting good buzz, so we'll keep our fingers crossed for the hometown boy.

• "Academy Awards" — March 7, ABC: We won't know until Feb. 2 if Renner will gain a coveted best-actor nomination, but "The Hurt Locker" is a sure bet for a nod. Actor nom or not, we'll be covering the awards like a blanket a this year.

Reach Scene editor Pat Clark at pclark@modbee.com.