The Year in TV: April 2010

Comedy Central airs the 200th episode of South Park, which causes controversy for a recurring character on the show, the Prophet Mohammed.

 

Matt Smith becomes the 11th actor to play Doctor Who. His debut episode brings 1.2 million viewers to BBC America, setting a new ratings record for the cable channel.

 

American Idol airs their third Idol Gives Back special, which featured performances from Elton John, Annie Lennox, the Black Eyed Peas, Carrie Underwood, and more. Over $45 million dollars were raised from donations and downloads from sponsors and viewers, with the proceeds benefiting Save The Children, Malaria No More, America’s Second Harvest, and UNICEF, among other charities.

 

The following shows made their TV debuts: CBS’ Miami Medical, HBO’s Treme, ABC’s Romantically Challenged, and Happy Town.

 

Meanwhile, these shows aired their series finales: NBC’s Trauma, ABC’s Ugly Betty, CBS’ Accidentally on Purpose,the CW’s Melrose Place and High Society.

 

If you have a kid (or if you are one), chances are you seen one of the new family-friendly series that debuted this month: Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show, Good Luck Charlie, Generator Rex, Adventure Time With Finn and Jake, and Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated

 

Designing Women’s Dixie Carter, Allen Swift, the voice of Howdy Doody and Underdog’s Simon Bar Sinister, Dorothy Provine from The Alaskans and The Roaring Twenties and Dynasty’s John Forsythe and Christopher Cazenove were all legendary TV actors who left us this month.

 

MTV’s The Real World/Road Rules Challenge and 16 & Pregnant, HBO’s How to Make It America, VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, TNT’s Southland, Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, ABC’s Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, The CW’s Life Unexpected, FOX’s Human Target, Starz Spartacus: Blood & Sand, FX’s Damages, and NBC’s The Marriage Ref, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Minute to Win It all aired their season finales.