Weekend watchin'

'Treehouse of Horror' spooks 'The Simpsons'—and other weekend TV highlights

By Rebecca Ford

Posted October 15, 2009

Metromix

Can anyone believe it's mid-October already? Where is time going? As Halloween creeps closer, get into the spirit with a very special episode of "The Simpsons," "Treehouse of Horror." Also, Betty's back and better than ever!

Friday, October 16
What: “Ugly Betty”
When: 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Why: Change is never easy, but it’s time. Betty (America Ferrera) has been promoted to associate features editor and has to deal with new responsibilities and resentful co-workers. In the season’s premiere episode, “The Butterfly Effect,” Betty’s metamorphosis begins, as she tries to run her own photo shoot, and still deal with her coworkers and family’s problems. The real question: Will this new season and this new job bring a beautified Betty to the scene?

Check out this promo for the new season:

Also on Friday: “Ghost Whisperer” at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS; “Law & Order” at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC; “Medium” at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS; “DietTribe” at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.


Saturday, October 17
What: NASCAR Sprint Cup
When: 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Why: The Sprint Cup series, the top racing series of NASCAR, heads to the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., this Sunday. The event is the fifth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and second of two Cup races this season. Even if you know nothing about racing, your eyes and your brain are sure to be pretty sparked by this high speed race. On your marks, get set…

Also on Saturday: “Sorority Wars” at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime; “Tailgate Warriors With Guy Fieri” at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Food Network; “Saturday Night Live” at 11:30 pm ET/PT on NBC


Sunday, October 18
What: “The Simpsons”
When: 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox
Why: One Sunday each year, “The Simpsons” make the world a better place with their Halloween-themed episode, “The Treehouse of Horror.” Since 1990, this spooky episode has included such bonus specials as the alien characters Kang and Kodos, scary names in the credits and a special version of the opening sequence. It even has its own real-life version of the Monopoly Game. It’s that important. This year, zombies overrun Springfield, and after falling through a trap door at Moe's, Homer becomes half-man, half-brewing apparatus.

Also on Sunday: “The Amazing Race 15” at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS; “Dexter” at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime; “Bored to Death” at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on HBO; “Brothers & Sisters” at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC; “Mad Men” at 10 p.m. ET/PT on AMC.