FOX Announces Details Of May Sweeps Episodes

This May Fox delivers major television events, all-new episodes and big guest stars, including "FOX Rocks," a week of music-themed FOX programming April 29 through May 5; primetime broadcasts of NASCAR ON FOX races May 1 and May 8; two not-to-be-missed one-hour installments of FAMILY GUY, including the milestone 150th episode May 2 and the latest "Star Wars" saga-inspired season finale May 23; a BONES episode written by best-selling author and series inspiration, Kathy Reichs, May 6; the two-part season finale of FRINGE, featuring the long-awaited face-off between Walter Bishop (John Noble) and William Bell (guest star Leonard Nimoy), May 13 and May 20; the May 18 GLEE episode directed by Joss Whedon and guest-starring Neil Patrick Harris, Molly Shannon, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff; a special preview of Matt Nix's ("Burn Notice") new action comedy THE GOOD GUYS May 19; the AMERICAN IDOL-themed 21st season finale of THE SIMPSONS with guest voices Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres May 23; the climactic and historic series conclusion of the groundbreaking and award-winning 24, May 24; and the three-hour, two-night season finale of AMERICAN IDOL, featuring the final performance show May 25 and the final live results show that's sure to captivate America May 26.

Here are the highlights, night by night, for this May on FOX:

MONDAY

Mondays this May, hearts will be racing as lives hang in the balance in three all-new episodes of HOUSE and five final all-new hours of 24, including the momentous, adrenaline-charged two-hour series finale.

Monday, May 3

HOUSE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "The Choice" - "FOX Rocks" Programming

The team takes on the case of an ailing groom-to-be (guest star Adam Garcia) with secrets from a previous relationship and a fiancee (guest star Eva Amurri) with many questions. Meanwhile, during a raucous boys' night out, House (Hugh Laurie), Chase (Jesse Spencer) and Foreman (Omar Epps) visit a karaoke bar and perform a Gladys Knight & The Pips classic.

24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "11:00 AM-12:00 PM"

In its eighth and final season, the clock on the Emmy Award-winning series ticks toward its final five hours as Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) sets out to avenge the unthinkable events of this tragic day.

Monday, May 10

HOUSE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "Baggage"

A woman (guest star Zoe McLellan) arrives at the Princeton Plainsboro emergency room with an unexplained illness and no recollection of who she is. While trying to solve the mystery of the woman's illness, House must also help her piece together her identity.

24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "12:00 PM-1:00 PM"

With only four hours left, Jack stops at nothing to determine who is behind the day's most devastating event and uncovers an unexpected lead.

Monday, May 17

HOUSE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "Help Me" - Season Finale

The sixth season finale takes the Princeton Plainsboro team outside the hospital as they join forces with a search-and-rescue team to provide medical attention at the scene of an emergency.

24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "1:00 PM-2:00 PM"

As Jack's final day nears a close, he endures intense international forces at play. Meanwhile, former President Logan (guest star Gregory Itzin) becomes increasingly involved.

Monday, May 24

24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "2:00 PM-4:00 PM" - Series Finale

It's the end of an era when the groundbreaking and iconic action-packed series comes full circle with the climactic two-hour series finale of "Day Eight." Emotions run high as the harrowing day climaxes with resolute President Taylor (Cherry Jones) closing in on a world-changing objective and Jack forced to take matters into his own hands for one last and unforgettable job. Additionally, Eriq La Salle guest-stars.

TUESDAY

Audiences will be on their feet on music-filled Tuesday nights this May. America continues to vote for its next AMERICAN IDOL after four not-to-be-missed episodes, including Part 1 of the highly anticipated two-night season finale; plus, smash musical comedy hit GLEE serves up four all-new installments.

Tuesday, May 4

AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) - "5 Finalists Compete" - "FOX Rocks" Programming

The Top 5 finalists perform LIVE for the nation, singing their hearts out in hopes of winning America's vote and surviving another week in the competition.

GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Bad Reputation" - "FOX Rocks" Programming

When a salacious list about members of the glee club circulates the halls of McKinley High, Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison) begins an investigation. Meanwhile, Sue (Jane Lynch) is mortified when a video of her rendition of Olivia Newton-John's classic "Physical" is unearthed. Special guest stars include Olivia Newton-John, Molly Shannon and Jonathan Groff.

Tuesday, May 11

AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) - "4 Finalists Compete"

The Top 4 finalists perform LIVE as they vie for the title.

GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Laryngitis"

Rachel (Lea Michele) panics when a sore throat affects her singing; Kurt (Chris Colfer) tries to change his persona to impress his father (guest star Mike O'Malley); and Puck (Mark Salling) makes a strategic move to elevate his social status.

Tuesday, May 18

AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) - "3 Finalists Compete"

The Top 3 finalists take to the stage on another all-new LIVE performance show.

GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Dream On"

In an episode directed by Emmy Award winner Joss Whedon ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer," "Dollhouse"), Mr. Schuester's former high school nemesis (guest star Neil Patrick Harris) causes trouble for the glee club. Rachel struggles with a life-long personal issue, and Artie's (Kevin McHale) dreams take him on an adventure. Additional guest stars include Molly Shannon, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff.

Tuesday, May 25

AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) - "2 Finalists Compete" - Season Finale, Part 1

On the first night of the two-night season finale, the remaining two finalists battle it out for the AMERICAN IDOL crown at NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in front of a live audience and millions of viewers watching at home. After the finalists perform, viewers will vote to decide who will be the next AMERICAN IDOL.

GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Funk"

Mr. Schuester thinks he's scored the upper hand over Sue, but learns hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Quinn (Dianna Agron) connects with her "funky" side.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday nights this May, FOX presents two encore installments of the hit series LIE TO ME; four live AMERICAN IDOL results shows, including the second night of the season finale that promises to be the biggest night of television this spring; and a special series preview of new action-comedy THE GOOD GUYS.

Wednesday, May 5

LIE TO ME (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "Control Factor"

Marc Blucas guest-stars in an encore episode. While on vacation in Mexico, Lightman (Tim Roth) and Emily (Hayley McFarland) become involved in the case of a missing American woman. Back home, Foster (Kelli Williams) investigates tainted blood in D.C.-area hospitals with Lightman's rival, Jack Rader (guest star Blucas).

AMERICAN IDOL (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) - "1 of 5 Voted Off" - "FOX Rocks" Programming

This May, the AMERICAN IDOL live results shows counts down to the final two contestants. Each week, the finalist who receives the fewest votes will be eliminated from the race for the title. Tonight, the competition goes from the Top 5 to the Top 4.

Wednesday, May 12

LIE TO ME (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "Tractor Man"

During a political protest in Washington, D.C., a disgruntled farmer (guest star Sean Bridgers) parks his explosives-packed tractor near the Treasury Department building, forcing Lightman and his team to make some crucial life-or-death decisions in an encore episode. Meanwhile, a third-grade field trip gets stuck in the Lightman Group offices, and Loker (Brendan Hines) has to play babysitter.

AMERICAN IDOL (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) - "1 of 4 Voted Off"

In another all-new LIVE results show, the finalist who receives the fewest votes will be eliminated from the race for the title, narrowing the competition from four to three contestants.

Wednesday, May 19

THE GOOD GUYS (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - Series Preview

In the special series preview of Matt Nix's new action-comedy, THE GOOD GUYS, old-school cop Dan Stark (Bradley Whitford) and modern-day detective Jack Bailey (Colin Hanks) expose the big picture of small crime. Pursuing a routine investigation of a stolen humidifier, Jack and Dan are inadvertently thrust into a much larger case involving drug smugglers, hired assassins and a stolen green golf bag. Reminded of the way he busted punks back in the good old days, Dan convinces Jack to go along for the ride, and in their reckless pursuit of justice, the two wind up risking their lives, breaking a flurry of department regulations and reminding their boss, Lieutenant Ana Ruiz (Diana Maria Riva), and Jack's ex-girlfriend, Assistant District Attorney Liz Traynor (Jenny Wade), why these good guys will be spending many more days investigating seemingly minor crimes.

AMERICAN IDOL (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) - "1 of 3 Voted Off"

The Top 2 finalists are revealed in another all-new LIVE results show.

Wednesday, May 26

AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-10:07 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) - "Winner" - Season Finale, Part 2

On the second part of the two-night AMERICAN IDOL season finale, the Top 12 reunites on stage one last time. At the end of a two-hour music celebration, host Ryan Seacrest will reveal the next AMERICAN IDOL.

THURSDAY

This May, FOX Thursdays are more thrilling than ever with four all-new installments of BONES and four all-new episodes of FRINGE, including the game-changing season finales of each.

Thursday, April 29

BONES (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "The Rocker in the Rinse Cycle" - "FOX Rocks" Programming

When the body of a rich adventure-seeker is found in a hotel washing machine, Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) are led to the last place he was seen - a rock-n-roll fantasy camp. The special "FOX Rocks" episode also features Booth rocking out on guitar and performing a duet with Brennan. Additionally, Josh Todd from Buckcherry guest stars in the episode.

FRINGE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Brown Betty" - "FOX Rocks" Programming

While Walter (John Noble) deals with some upsetting news, he tells Olivia's niece, Ella (guest star Lily Pilblad), a fairy tale that includes musical performances by Olivia (Anna Torv) and Agent Broyles (Lance Reddick).

Thursday, May 6

BONES (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "The Witch in the Wardrobe"

In an episode written by author Kathy Reichs, a cabin burns down in the woods revealing two bodies - one of a modern-day witch and one from the days of the Salem witch trials - leading Booth and Brennan into the world of Wicca to find a killer.

FRINGE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Northwest Passage"

Peter teams up with Sheriff Mathis (guest star Martha Plimpton) on a serial murder investigation with ties to Newton (guest star Sebastian Roch?). Meanwhile, Walter copes with the possibility of being sent back to St. Claire's, and someone from the "other side" pays a visit.

Thursday, May 13

BONES (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "The Boy with the Answer"

The trial of The Gravedigger hits close to home for members of the team, and everyone at the Jeffersonian must work overtime to uncover the forensic evidence to elicit a conviction.

FRINGE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Over There, Part 1" - Season Finale, Part 1

In part one of the two-part, two-night second season finale, Walter and Olivia travel to the parallel universe, and the anticipated face-off between Walter Bishop and William Bell occurs when special guest star Leonard Nimoy returns.

Thursday, May 20

BONES (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "The Beginning in the End" - Season Finale

In the season finale, the team investigates a set of remains belonging to a hoarder. Meanwhile, Angela's (Michaela Conlin) father (guest star Billy Gibbons) has a unique purpose for his most recent visit, and Brennan and Booth are confronted with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

FRINGE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Over There, Part 2" - Season Finale, Part 2

Sacrifices will be made and both universes may never be the same again after Walter and Olivia visit the "other side" in Part 2 of the climactic season finale.

FRIDAY

Duck and cover! FOX antiheroes Dr. Gregory House and Chef Gordon Ramsay are men to be reckoned with this May on FOX Fridays with encore installments of HOUSE and all-new episodes of KITCHEN NIGHTMARES. Plus, HOUSE viewers can get a second opinion with exclusive never-before-seen episode commentary from Hugh Laurie (April 30 and May 7), Olivia Wilde (May 14) and Peter Jacobson (May 21) incorporated into each encore.

Friday, April 30

HOUSE (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Broken" - "FOX Rocks" Programming

In a special encore presentation of this season's emotional two-hour premiere, directed by HOUSE executive producer Katie Jacobs and featuring guest stars Andre Braugher, Franka Potente and Lin-Manuel Miranda, House begins a detox program to get the vicodin out of his system to stop his powerful hallucinations once and for all. Strong-armed into staying at the facility by his attending physician, Dr. Darryl Nolan (guest star Braugher), House develops a close relationship with his new roommate, Alvie (guest star Miranda), and Lydia (guest star Potente), a frequent visitor who helps House bend the rules. House resorts to his old tricks of blackmail and manipulation, but when devastating events ensue, he is humbled into reluctantly accepting help. As part of "FOX Rocks," House plays piano and raps alongside Alvie in the Mayfield Psychiatric Hospital's talent show. Plus, incorporated into the encore installment is new behind-the-scenes commentary from series star Laurie.

Friday, May 7

HOUSE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "Lockdown"

Hugh Laurie directs and Oscar nominee David Strathairn guest-stars in an encore episode that features new exclusive episode commentary from Laurie. When a newborn disappears from the nursery, Princeton Plainsboro goes on lockdown, preventing anyone from entering, leaving or moving within the hospital. While House and hospital staff are trapped in various parts of the building, new insights about the team's personal histories, relationships and regrets surface.

KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) - "Fleming"

Chef Gordon Ramsay visits Fleming in Miami, FL, where a husband-and-wife team is in desperate need of help. Once a popular Danish restaurant, Fleming has been resistant to change and is now barely surviving. And after Chef Ramsay sees what's lurking in the cooler, he is forced to shut down the restaurant in the middle of the dinner service. With a stubborn owner in denial, Ramsay is going to have to make some major changes, or Fleming will be forced to close their doors forever.

Friday, May 14

HOUSE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) - "Knight Fall"

In an encore episode, in which never-before-seen Olivia Wilde commentary is incorporated, House and the team take on the case of Sir William (guest star Noah Segan), a "knight" living in a closed-off community that lives according to the ideals of the High Renaissance. Meanwhile, Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) starts over with an ex (guest star Cynthia Watros).

Leave Comments

Tweet