Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Highlights

"Homeland Security USA" (Channel 7 at 8) is previewed by Tom Shales on Page C7.

Tonight marks the return of "Scrubs" (Channel 7 at 9, 9:30) on a brand-new network and the debut of the chief of medicine: Courteney Cox! Meanwhile, Sacred Heart remains mostly the same as J.D. deals with incompetent interns, Carla sends spies around the hospital to check up on Turk, and the Janitor wreaks havoc with a key that works on everything.

"Biggest Loser: Couples" (Channel 4 at 8) makes history as the two-hour premiere features the oldest and heaviest contestants to ever compete on the show.

The team on "NCIS" (Channel 9 at 8) looks into the murder of a prison guard, but everything changes when the inmates riot and McGee is trapped.

"Superstars of Dance" (Channel 4 at 9) continues tonight; Sarah Kaufman reviews last night's premiere on Page C1.

Patrick Jane's obsession with Red John continues on "The Mentalist" (Channel 9 at 9) as Jane quits the CBI when someone promises him exclusive information on the serial killer.

"Frontline: The Old Man and the Storm" (Channel 22 at 9, Channel 26 at 10) chronicles the journey of a New Orleans family as they endure a painstakingly slow bureaucratic process to rebuild their home in the Lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina.

Activities including lawn mower racing and alligator wrestling don't seem all that unusual to the crew on "Wreckreation" (Discovery at 10) as host Dave Mordal travels the country to find people's strangest hobbies.

Using a hidden camera, "Primetime: What Would You Do?" (Channel 7 at 10) tests people's reactions in sensitive situations, such as Latino men and women being refused service at a New Jersey deli.

Sean tries his best to cut all ties with Colleen after her attack in the Season 5 premiere of "Nip/Tuck" (FX at 10).

Speaking of odd ways to pass the time, the employees at the grocery store on "10 Items or Less" (TBS at 11) take up frozen turkey bowling.

"Late Show With David Letterman" (Channel 9, 11:35) has actor Kevin James, newscaster Rebecca Quick and musical guest Erin McCarley.

Actress-singer Queen Latifah, radio host Adam Carolla and the Pussycat Dolls are on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" (Channel 4, 11:35).

-- Emily Yahr