Fox, 8:00 p.m. ET
For those keeping count, tonight is the 400th edition of this series – but who, outside of Fox, is keeping track? The real thing to track here is that this is the first finalist elimination edition of 2012, when one of the Top 13 will be sent packing. And they’re be sent to the tune of (and performance by) former Idol winner Scotty McCreery, who provides this season’s musical swan song for the departing contestants.
NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET
Jack McBrayer, as Kenneth, has been getting so much screen time this season, it’s almost like he’s the star of 30 Rock. And that faith keeps getting rewarded, and tested some more. Tonight, Kenneth gets promoted to a job in standards and practices, as an NBC censor. Well, maybe that’s a promotion. Maybe not. But it should be funny.
TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET
Speaking of funny, this 1944 film is one of the wildest, most riotous screwball comedies ever made. Cary Grant, as the only sane member of a family of lunatics, plays a drama critic –another reason I love this so much – who is surrounded by murderous aunts, a Boris Karloff lookalike, and a guy who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt. Based on the hit stage comedy, this movie never lags, and Grant, going for it in every scene, is fabulous.
CBS, 10:00 p.m. ET
In one of tonight’s story lines, Susan asks Jane for help on a case – but doesn’t invite the other members of the team. Is something up? On this show, always.
Showtime, 11:00 p.m. ET
Here’s an episode of David Steinberg’s comedy talk show that qualifies as Can’t-Miss TV, and which covers, collectively, close to two centuries of comedy. Steinberg’s guests tonight are Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner, whose occasional teamwork goes all the way back to 1950's
Your Show of Shows. For my exclusive TV WORTH WATCHING INTERVIEW with Mel Brooks, presented last November, click
HERE.