Jonesing for Star and This Week’s Talk Show Picks

Star Jones’ new talk show, titled Star Jones, made its debut last month to mixed reviews. A kind of cross between Larry King and Nancy Grace, Star’s program, which airs Monday through Friday on CourtTV, tackles current events and pop culture. Often, they’re one and the same. Here’s the skinny on Star:

• Star Jones
• Bio Brief: Star Jones

I’m telling you, you should take a moment or two (but no more than that) to check out her show – just to see if it catches your fancy. If not, maybe some of these ideas are more your cup of tea:

• Monday: The first of two talk shows -- Dr. Phil focuses on the Jena 6, the controversial circumstances surrounding a group of six African-American teenagers charged with assaulting a white teenager at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana, on Dec. 4, 2006 – controversial because the case has sparked protests by those who believe that the arrests excessive and discriminatory. On the lighter side, for the first time ever, men make up Oprah’s audience, and subject Dr. Oz to their many man questions.

• Tuesday: Montel Williams takes on the Jena 6 controversy.

• Wednesday: Here’s a future talk show host: filmmaker Kevin Smith. The Clerks auteur chats with Craig Ferguson. Tina Fey Alert! Our favorite comedian/writer/actress/producer stops by Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

• Thursday: Tina Fey Alert No. 2! Our favorite comedian/writer/actress/producer stops by Live with Regis and Kelly.

• Friday: The incomparable Bob Newhart joins David Letterman on the Late Show, a sure fire happy ending to a long week. Tag on hall of fame, award-winning, genius singer songwriter Annie Lennox, appearing on The Tonight Show, and you’ve got yourself an evening to remember.