Fox’s ‘The Loop’ off track
The new comedy “The Loop” (9:30 p.m., Fox) simply oozes with contempt for its young characters and its target audience.
Sam (Bret Harrison) is the first of his clique to find a good job. It’s not merely a job.
Apparently, his college thesis was so impressive that he’s now on the board of directors of a major airline. If you believe that, you’ll have no problem accepting the fact that his administrative assistant, Darcy (Joy Osmanski), is a brilliant, underutilized MIT graduate. We’re supposed to laugh at her suffering.
When Sam isn’t at work, he’s with his pals, who seem to live a “Groundhog Day” existence in which every night is a bachelor party, an endless round of binge drinking and carousing. Sam’s older brother, Sully, is a one-note “whoa, dude” party-animal stereotype.
Bartender Lizzy (Sarah Mason) also lives with them. She’s gorgeous and blonde and as dumb as a brick.
Piper (Amanda Loncar) is supposed to be a medical student, but she’s never seen with a book. She’s carrying on a long-distance relationship with a guy. She doesn’t seem to notice that Sam has been in love with her since college.
Twenty-somethings are a hard audience to reach. Not yet settled down, they’re often juggling many activities.
You’ll notice that none of the characters on “The Loop” ever sits still long enough to watch television. And I’m sure none of them would be caught dead watching something as lame as “The Loop.”
The parents of those McCaughey septuplets are slackers compared to Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar of Fayetteville, Ark., the subject of the documentary “Raising 16 Children” (8 p.m., Discovery Health). If they look familiar, you must have seen their earlier film, “14 Children and Pregnant Again!”
Other highlights
Jeff Probst hosts “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS) a night early. NCAA finals begin Thursday night.
Military spouses attack their love handles on “Biggest Loser: Special Edition” (8 p.m., NBC).
Online dating on “Bones” (8 p.m., Fox).
“I Want That” (8 p.m., HGTV) showcases new trends and gadgets.
One of the top 12 must go on a half-hour “American Idol” (9 p.m., Fox).
On two episodes of “Law & Order” (NBC), smuggling at the border (9 p.m.), and murdered while undercover (10 p.m.).
Water inspires an argument on a repeat of “Lost” (9 p.m., ABC) from 2004.
Roller-derby madness on “CSI: NY” (10 p.m., CBS).
Christina wants an ultrasound on “Invasion” (10 p.m., ABC).