TelePhillyist

What's new and/or interesting on TV this week.

Food Origin Shows (Mon, 9PM-10PM, Food Network)
Food Network is airing two shows in a row exploring the origins of similar foods. First up is Unwrapped with a look at how goat cheese, cheesecake, and Cheez-It crackers are made. Then it's How'd That Get on My Plate? which explores milk and what it goes through to end up in the various different forms of ice cream, string cheese, and chocolate.

Ancient Ink (Mon, 9PM-11PM, History Channel)
A history of tattoos, focusing on the various methods of inking and their cultural significance around the world. Also included is a look at the practice of carving skin, which is performed by both Maori aborigines and cult clubs in New York.

Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of the Dark Knight (Wed, 9PM-10PM, History Channel)
This coming weekend sees the release of the much-anticipated film The Dark Knight, and as usual the History Channel is on top of things with a timely special! This time it's an exploration of the Batman mythology, his character, and his brand of vigilante justice.

Animal Cops: Philadelphia (Wed & Thu, 10PM-11PM, Animal Planet)
Animal Planet's reality series following animal police comes to the Philly area. In the first episode, officers find an abandoned dog that's been left out in a backyard in freezing temperatures, and a cat trapped in a sewer drain 34 feet below ground. In the next one, they find a menagerie in North Philadelphia containing 112 animals, including fighting roosters, pit bulls, and a hawk. They search for the people responsible and rescue a kitten while vets care for a dog that was burned.

VH1 Rock Honors (Thu, 9PM-11PM, VH1)
This sounds like a particularly exciting episode of VH1's award show, as this time they're honoring the truly great classic rock band The Who, who will also perform. Then there are tribute performances by The Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, The Flaming Lips, Incubus, and Tenacious D. Awesome.

Gong Show with Dave Attell (Thu, 10PM-10:30PM, Comedy Central)
We wouldn't normally be interested in an updated relaunch of an old talent show, but with hilarious stand-up comedian Dave Attell as host, and a revolving panel of three celebrity judges (which, in this premiere episode, consists of Andy Dick, Dave Navarro, and JB Smoove) rating a freak show-like collection of insane amateur acts... we have to admit, we're curious.

Image Credit: Flickr user Zesmerelda