Exclusive: TLC’s family-tree-tracing series, “Who Do You Think You Are?,” will travel to China for the first time to trace the roots of Queens-born Julie Chen.
The host of CBS’ “The Talk” and “Big Brother” will be leaving for China in the near future to learn, among other things, about her grandfather and his contribution to Chinese culture. Chen’s journey will be highlighted when the series returns Feb. 24 with eight new episodes.
“I went to China once in 2001 as a tourist and only visited Beijing and Hong Kong then,” Chen told me. “However I did a lot of growing up in Singapore and from there toured a lot of Southeast Asia. Singapore is where my maternal grandmother lived so we went there often for our summer breaks. I am excited to explore the small town of where my maternal grandfather was born to see how he went from a small rural village to becoming the most successful business man in all of Burma.”
Other celebs featured in the upcoming season include “Rizzoli & Isles” star Angie Harmon — who discovers a family connection to George Washington — sitcom veteran Sean Hayes (who travels to Ireland to trace his roots) and actor Bill Paxton.
Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky executive-produce the series, which averaged 1.4 million viewers last summer.
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’PIX: the week in sports
Ch. 11 is beefing up its local sports coverage.
“Sports Desk” — which was seen only on Friday nights — expanded to seven nights a week Monday night, and now airs from 10:45 to 11 p.m. following WPIX’s 10 p.m. newscast (co-anchored by Tamsen Fadal and John Muller).
Ch. 11 sports anchor Scott Stanford hosts the weeknight version of “Sports Desk,” with Andy Adler anchoring the weekend shows. Guests this week include Mookie Wilson, Bill Buckner and John Starks.
More on the local scene: “The Good Wife” star Julianna Margulies will be honored April 27 at the Waldorf Astoria with the 2015 Matrix Award, bestowed by New York Women in Communications (to honor exceptional women in the communications fields). She joins past winners including Queen Latifah, Meryl Streep, Tina Fey and Martha Stewart.
Last, but not least …
Conan O’Brien’s YouTube channel has surpassed 1 billion views … Wanna be on Oxygen’s “Finding My Father”? (men/women searching for their estranged biological fathers). Contact LA-based casting director Joey Gemelli: joey@gemellient.com. Include a recent photo and a few lines about your story … Tiffani Amber Thiessen, Roslyn Sanchez and Julie Bowen — with kids in tow — at Saturday’s Crafting Community event at LA’s Lombardi House sponsored by Hint Water … Awkward! The (faux) gold record sent to me by Fox to plug its new series, “Empire,” says “Presented to Michelle Stark.”