What To Watch

Beijing 2008

What to watch Ray Frager's guide to the 2008 Olympics, which begin tonight with the opening ceremony at 7:30 (all prime-time listings for chs. 11, 4)

AUG 9

HIGHLIGHTS

It's the first episode of the Phelps and Hoff Show, as Baltimore's gifts to the swimming world compete in their versions of the 400-meter individual medley. They hold the men's and women's records for the 400 IM and could be holding gold medals tonight (though it will be day in Beijing).

Locals to watch

Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff, of course. And you'll be watching them for a week.

Prime time

Beach volleyball (men, women), gymnastics (men), swimming (men, women)

8 p.m.-midnight

AUG 10

Highlights

Hoff goes in the 400 freestyle, and Phelps swims in the 400 freestyle relay. At the U.S. trials, Hoff pulled away to win this race after sitting in fourth halfway through. The men's 100 breaststroke could be a Brendan Hansen-Kosuke Kitajima showdown.

Local to watch

Carmelo Anthony has played against Yao Ming before, but never like this (U.S. vs. China basketball).

Prime time

Gymnastics (women), rowing (men, women), swimming (men, women), synchronized diving (women)

7 p.m.-midnight

AUG 11

Highlights

If things go according to plan, Phelps will pick up gold medal No. 3 in the 200 freestyle. No finals for Hoff this night/day. In a drier environment, the men's team gymnastics concludes. The Chinese are so good, they don't need home-court advantage.

Local to watch

Look for shots of Debbie Phelps in the stands, cheering on her son.

Prime time

Beach volleyball (men, women), gymnastics (men), swimming (men, women), synchronized diving (men)

8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

AUG 12

Highlights

Could be a four-medal haul for our swimmers: Hoff is in the 200 freestyle and 200 IM finals, and Phelps is in the 200 butterfly and 800 freestyle relay finals.

Local to watch

Scott Parsons of Bethesda, who finished sixth at Athens, paddles in the men's kayak slalom.

Prime time

Beach volleyball (men, women), gymnastics (women), swimming (men, women), synchronized diving (women)

8 p.m.-midnight

AUG 13

Highlights

No need to manufacture any fake Movie of the Week drama out of this: American Eric Shanteau, who should be swimming in the 200 breaststroke final, is competing after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and putting off surgery until after the Games.