Sweeps Schedule: Week of November 1st

So, it’s time to tell you what the first week of November sweeps has to offer.

But first, what is sweeps anyway? The term refers to the four times of the year when Nielsen Media Research (who does TV ratings) collects data from sample homes in every one of the TV markets in the US. According to Nielsen, the term comes from the way the diaries are “swept up” around the country. Sweeps periods are in November, February, May and July of each year.

In order to capture the most viewers (and to help local stations set ad rates), the networks haul out all the special guest stars and major storylines they can muster. You’ll even see syndicated programs get into the act and local news programs usually do their major investigative pieces during that time.

Aren’t you glad you asked?

Now here’s what’s on tap for this week…

Thursday, Roseanne guest stars on “My Name Is Earl” (8 p.m., NBC), while “The Office” celebrates Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights (8:30 p.m., NBC). Salma Hayek begins her four episode guest stint on “Ugly Betty” (8 p.m., ABC). Hayek is the show’s Executive Producer. McDreamy’s sister comes to visit on “Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m., ABC); and “The O.C.” returns on FOX (9 p.m.)…

Friday, Chevy Chase channels Mel Gibson on a ripped-from-the-headlines “Law & Order” (10 p.m., NBC)…

Saturday, “Saturday Night Live” gives us “The Best of Darrell Hammond” (11:30 p.m., NBC).

Sunday, it’s the 17th annual “Treehouse of Horror” on “The Simpsons” (8 p.m., FOX). Guest voices include Dr. Phil, Richard Lewis and Fran Drescher. And there’s that previously mentioned hostage crisis on “Desperate Housewives” (9 p.m., ABC)…

Stay tuned…