You can tell a lot about a country - and its economy - by its TV viewing patterns. And the surest sign the recession is over in this part of the world can be found in the May sweeps.
The month of May is always the busiest month of the year in the broadcast business. At the same time that the current TV campaign winds down with its usual season and series finales (fare thee well, Lost and 24), the U.S. networks will decide their prime-time lineups for next fall, and also announce which shows didn't make the cut. One door closes, another opens.
From all indications, the television industry appears to have bounced back from hard times. The traditional May sweeps period started a bit early this year - last night, in fact, according to U.S. media buyers - which means networks are already gearing up for a big finish with big-name guest stars, special TV events and series wrap-ups. Here's what's coming your way in the weeks ahead.
GUEST STARS
Glee (Fox, Global, May 4): Seventies pop icon Olivia Newton-John pops in to play herself, and performs a nifty duet with gym coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch).
Law & Order: SVU (NBC, CTV, May 5): Sharon Stone began a four-episode run last week as assistant district attorney Jo Marlowe. Next week she gets really mean.
Parks & Recreation (NBC, CITY-TV, May 13): The first appearance of Rob Lowe, who will appear regularly next season. The former Brothers & Sisters star shows up as a rakish state auditor to whom Leslie (Amy Poehler) takes a shine.
30 Rock (NBC, CITY-TV, May 13 and 27): Mad Men's Jon Hamm drops in again as Liz Lemon's semi-romantic interest. On May 27, Matt Damon guests on the series finale - which producers have promised will include a shocker cliffhanger ending. True love for Liz?
Grey's Anatomy (ABC, CTV, May 13): Teen star Demi Lovato ( Sonny with a Chance) tackles a dramatic role as a schizophrenic teenager.
Warehouse 13 (CITY-TV, May 14): Former Bionic Woman Lindsay Wagner guest stars on the low-budget sci-fi series. Can she still crush a tennis ball with her hand?
Minute to Win It (NBC, CFMT, May 23): Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers stops by to compete in some of the show's mind-numbingly simple games, with all proceeds going to charity, of course.
BIG TICKET TV
Jesse Stone: No Remorse (CBS, May 9): Tom Selleck resumes his role of the troubled sleuth in this TV movie, based on the works of Robert B. Parker.
When You're Strange: a Film About The Doors (PBS, May 12): Straight from theatres, this is a profile of the enduring sixties rock group, narrated by Johnny Depp. Did you know The Doors never had a bass player?
Canadian Comedy Awards 10th Anniversary (Comedy Network, May 15): Taped at the Masonic Temple, this homegrown-comedy tribute is hosted by The Daily Show's Jason Jones and Samantha Bee (a married couple in real life and yes, they're both Canadian).
The 2010 Miss USA Pageant (NBC, May 16): The traditional flesh-parade, hosted this year by celebrity chef Curtis Stone and Natalie Morales. Catty backstage commentary provided by Joan Rivers and her daughter Melissa.
Pregnant at 70 (TLC, May 16): Like most TLC programs, the title says it all.
I Get That A Lot (CBS, May 19): Return of the reality concept wherein celebrities take on ordinary jobs to trick people. Martha Stewart working the counter at a crafts store? Stop, it's too funny!
The Bachelorette (ABC, CITY-TV, May 24): Launching with a two-hour special, the sixth edition of the love-search series focuses on single gal Ali Fedotowsky, who enjoys hiking, soccer and wine-tasting.
SERIES FINALES
Private Practice (ABC, A; May 13,): Events turn grim and grimmer in the third-season finale. First, the surgical team of Addison, Amelia and Fife operate to save Maya and her unborn baby. And then, a major character dies.
Desperate Housewives (ABC, CTV; May 16): Life on Wisteria Lane is even more desperate in the closer: Gaby (Eva Longoria Parker) risks her life to save Angie (Drea de Matteo); Susan (Teri Hatcher) is penniless; and Bree (Marcia Cross) reveals a dark secret.
Lost (ABC, CTV; May 23): Bowing out in a two-hour finale, Lost has secured its place as the most complex show in TV history. Finale details are top secret, but Matthew Fox, who plays Jack, let it slip that the series will close on a single frozen image. A snow globe?
24 (Fox, Global ; May 24): Another two-hour finish, with a difference: Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) has to save the world in the current season, and then segue straight into the upcoming 24 feature film. "Jack will probably survive," producer Howard Gordon said recently.
The Good Wife (CBS, Global; May 25): The hit rookie drama ends with feisty lawyer Alicia (Julianna Margulies) faced with a decision: Return to her philandering politician husband Peter (Chris Noth) for the sake of the kids? Or follow her heart with new love Will (Josh Charles)?