FRIDAY Kinsey Bill Condon wrote and directed this compelling biopic about the pioneering sex researcher Alfred Kinsey. Kinsey’s 1948 publication “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male” was one of the first works to address sexual behavior, and he developed the scale that rates sexual orientation from heterosexual to homosexual. Liam Neeson stars as Kinsey, Laura Linney is his long-suffering wife (Linney was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar) and Chris O’Donnell and Peter Sarsgaard play his researchers and partners. Lynn Redgrave appears in a cameo role as an older lesbian. 7:30 p.m. on IFC.
Dollhouse The much-anticipated premiere of Joss Whedon’s (“Buffy, the Vampire Slayer”) new series. The Dollhouse is a very secret, and very illegal, place where wishes come true. Clients with the right connections and enough money can hire “actives,” people who have been programmed to perfectly fulfill the needs and desires of their clients. The actives have chosen, for their own reasons, to surrender their bodies. Echo is one of the “actives” in the elite and illegal Dollhouse. Through different personality downloads, she plays the role of a lovestruck girl on a romantic weekend and then a ruthlessly efficient kidnapping negotiator. Meanwhile, FBI agent Paul Ballard is struggling with his assignment to uncover information on the Dollhouse. Starring Eliza Dushku, who played the gender-bending vampire Faith in “Buffy.” 9 p.m. on FOX.
SATURDAY Big Eden In this heartwarming romantic comedy, Henry, a successful New York City artist, returns to his rural hometown of Big Eden, Mont., after learning that his grandfather suffered a stroke. When he runs into Dean, his high-school best friend and first great love, he discovers that Dean is now divorced and finally showing interest in Henry. With Arye Gross, Eric Schweig and Louise Fletcher. 10 a.m. on Logo.
Saving Face Alice Wu directs this film about Wil, a 28-year-old New Yorker whose life is a juggling act between a promising career as a surgeon and her responsibilities as a dutiful daughter and girlfriend to Vivian, a gorgeous dancer. Like the 7 train she takes to visit her Chinese family on a weekly basis, Wil is perpetually in transit between two worlds. With the exquisite Joan Chen and Michelle Krusiec. 6 p.m. on Logo.
SUNDAY Amazing Race The new season debuts with a fantastic group of contestants, including a deaf man and gay activist Dr. Mel White and his gay son Mike. 8 p.m. on CBS.
Desperate Housewives Orson is exceedingly unhappy with Bree. No news there. Except this time it’s because she has taken over her gay son Andrew’s life and is buying him everything he ever wanted — like his hubby-to-be. 9 p.m. on ABC.
The L Word Jenny’s new script sells while Bette and Kelly make business plans. Jamie plays a third-wheel crush to Alice and Tasha. The girls test Dylan’s authenticity, and meanwhile Jenny intrudes on Shane’s rights. 9 p.m. on Showtime.
Brothers & Sisters Last week Saul had an argument with Kevin and Scotty about his new boyfriend, Henry, before Kitty’s baby shower. Saul said he didn’t want to be marginalized as the gay member of the family, since only the gay men were invited to the baby shower. But then Saul showed up with Henry. They met at the symphony. Now Kevin and Scotty and Saul and Henry will be hanging out together — while the women have all the sex. 10 p.m. on ABC.
The United States of Tara Tara turns into her teenage personality “T” and steals her own car. While Max and Charmaine decide to chase after her, Marshall is left at home and decides to throw a party to (hopefully) win the love of his crush, Jason. 10 p.m. on Showtime.
MONDAY House A priest who runs a homeless shelter sees a bleeding Jesus hovering at his doorstep. House takes on the case and the team soon learns the priest had been involved in a molestation scandal that caused him to lose his faith. When the patient’s condition takes a drastic turn for the worse, House grapples with his past and his belief in the “Unfaithful.” 8 p.m. on FOX.
True Beauty The premise of this reality series is that beauty is interior, not exterior — except the players don’t know that. Six contestants have been voted off the catwalk. Watch for the beefcake (Ray!) and openly queeny Nolé Marin (who has a Chihuahua named Empress Minnie). Judge Cheryl Tiegs, one of the first supermodels, shows why too much Botox and face-filler is so not a good thing. 10 p.m. on ABC.
RuPaul’s Drag Race The queens are tested on their multimedia prowess as they show off their talents as newscaster, product spokesperson and talk-show host to RuPaul and guest judge Debra Wilson of MADtv. 10 p.m. on Logo.
TUESDAY American Idol Must-watch, train-wreck TV. This season might be the best yet. Watch for the sexy guy from Puerto Rico, Jorge Nunez. 8 p.m. on FOX.
Nip/Tuck Two lesbian characters on one great show. Tonight, Christian relates to a patient with a unique condition whilst Sean pursues a new relationship. 10 p.m. on FX.
WEDNESDAY American Idol The competition continues. 8 p.m. on FOX.
New Adventures of Old Christine Lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes makes this must-see TV. 8 p.m. on CBS.
Lie to Me Tim Roth is sensational as the dark lie-detector specialist Dr. Cal Lightman. The team tries to prevent the assassination of a South Korean ambassador at a state wedding, but when someone else is shot Lightman reveals some of his own personal secrets to identify the assassin. 9 p.m. on FOX.
Lost The best drama series on TV since “The Wire” has returned, more complicated and nerve-wracking than ever. With Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lily and Terry O’Quinn. 9 p.m. on ABC.
The Real World: Brooklyn This season includes Sarah, a tatted-up bisexual artist who works with victims of sexual abuse, Katelynn, a transgender female who wants to marry her boyfriend, and Chet, a Mormon frat boy. 10 p.m. on MTV.
Top Chef: New York With only one more episode after tonight, the chefs cook for restaurateur Emeril Lagasse for a chance to be in the final challenges, but an unexpected twist will winnow the herd a little more than is expected. 10 p.m. on Bravo.
THURSDAY Ugly Betty How gay can we be? Fashion Week brings chaos to the Modies, as Betty copes with simultaneously putting on a show for a bizarre new designer named Heinrich and an assignment from YETI to partner up with Matt, who works at a sports magazine, to learn about each other’s jobs. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina fears she’s lost her edge in the fashion world because she’s been spending too much time (playing dominatrix) with Conner. Daniel tries giving Molly a makeover, and a new member of the Mode team makes a dramatic entrance. 8 p.m. on ABC.
Hell’s Kitchen The fifth season may be the best yet. Gordon Ramsay seems to be enjoying beating up his chefs more than ever. His nemesis, Colleen, who teaches cooking but never went to culinary school, just missed getting axed last week because the gorgeous and super-brave Ji injured her ankle and had to withdraw. Ramsay was so sad to see her go that he let her keep her chef’s jacket as a sign of her bravery. Meanwhile, the lesbian chef, LA, is one of the most solid of the women’s team, as is Pennsylvania’s own Andrea. Expect more beating-up of Colleen and Robert, the 400-pound chef. 9 p.m. on FOX.
Grey’s Anatomy Where is the scorecard? Last week’s episode ended with Callie (Sara Ramirez) crying in the bathroom of the bar after a particularly trying day — and another lost possibility of romance with Sadie (Melissa George). So who follows her to the loo but Dr. Arizona (Jessica Capshaw). Dr. A wants Callie to know that all that talk about her isn’t all bad — people really like and respect her. Like who? asks Callie. And then Dr. A kisses her. Let’s hope blonde No. 3 is the charm for the lesbian-wannabe of Seattle Grace. 9 p.m. on ABC.
Queer TV you can always see
All My Children Bianca’s sister, Kendall (Alicia Minshew), has come out of her coma to discover that her husband, Zach, donated the sperm for Bianca (Eden Riegel) and Reese’s (Tamara Braun) baby. Reese tries talking to Kendall, but it only makes things worse. Kendall tells Zach that seeing the couple is a constant reminder of what she considers his betrayal of her. She wants them out. Yesterday. Bianca and Reese are getting married on Valentine’s Day, so they are shocked when Zach asks them to move out just days before the wedding. Reese is sure it’s about the baby, but Zach lies. Later, Kendall tells Greenlee she doesn’t trust Reese. Will the wedding go on as planned? Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. on ABC.
As the World Turns Luke (Van Hansis) is head over heels for Noah (Jake Silbermann), and has been for two years. Noah loves him too. They’ve been sleeping together for weeks and Luke wants to take it to the next level — living together. They had a cute conversation about Valentine’s Day gifts in which Noah told Luke not to buy him that wonderful jacket and goes on and on describing it (see — he’s gay! — he likes clothes). But Luke has a better idea — an apartment. Whoa! Slow down there, fella. Noah, ever Mr. Pragmatism, says they aren’t ready yet. Luke is crushed. These two just can’t help causing trouble for each other. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS.
Martha Martha Stewart isn’t queer, but no one has a gayer sensibility (or gayer friends — Tim Gunn, anyone?). Great food and great ideas with intriguing and/or cute guests. Check out videos of the show at marthastewart.com. Martha will be on Letterman Feb. 13 (11:35 p.m.) with Valentine’s Day ideas. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on NBC.
Ellen We never tire of the dancing dyke diva of daytime. Be sure to check out Ellen’s commentary at ellen.warnerbros.com. Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC.
The Rachel Maddow Show Smart and savvy-deconstruction from the only out lesbian to host a political talk show. Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Consistently queer-friendly commentary, boy toys in leather gear and nightly drag routines from the Scottish comedian. Monday-Friday, 12:35 a.m. on CBS.