Abc Pits ‘Videos’ Against ‘Friends’
If you’re among those who can live without NBC’s “Friends” and “The Single Guy,” or, more importantly, you’d prefer shows that families with young children can watch, ABC has an alternative.
Premiering tonight on ABC are “World’s Funniest Videos” at 8 and”Before They Were Stars” at 8:30.
OK, neither is anything really new. “World’s Funniest Videos,” as you might guess, is from the “America’s Funniest Home Video” people.
You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that these amusing home videos are from around the world. (You don’t have to be a genius to watch, either.)
“Before They Were Stars” has been around as periodic specials. People never seem to tire of seeing today’s top television and movie stars captured on film and tape in the early years of their careers.
One such person in tonight’s show is “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston. Check out her nose and realize, probably for the first time, that she has something in common with Michael Jackson.
Highlights
“Friends,” NBC at 8: It’s a funny night for Monica (Courteney Cox), who takes a job as cook at a theme restaurant and is required to be a part of the entertainment. Also, Monica and Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) senior prom video gives Rachel pause to reconsider her feelings for Ross (David Schwimmer).
“Living Single,” FOX at 8: Mario and Melvin Van Peebles and singer Brian McKnight guest-star in a double episode continuing at 8:30. Regine (Kim Fields Freeman) inadvertently dates a TV weather man (Mario) and his father (Melvin). McKnight appears as himself.
“The Single Guy,” NBC at 8:30: Late-night talk-show host Conan O’Brien guest-stars as Johnny’s (Jonathan Silverman) college rival who announces his book will be out first and that he’s getting an endorsement from columnist Jimmy Breslin. Breslin and author George Plimpton guest-star.
“Patriot Games” (1992), ABC at 9: There’s plenty of action and suspense in this tale based on Tom Clancy’s book. Harrison Ford plays CIA agent Jack Ryan, who foils an assassination attempt by Irish terrorists only to become their next target.
An unimaginative ending hurts an otherwise engaging caper.
“Rescue 911,” CBS at 9: Backing off from its attempt to woo a younger audience, CBS calls in this reliable reality-based series. This will be the seventh season for “Rescue,” which tonight includes the story of a woman attacked by a Burmese python.
“Caroline in the City,” NBC at 9:30: When Caroline (Lea Thompson) finds a watch in an antique desk she purchases, it leads her to the former owners - guest-stars Rose Marie and Morey Amsterdam (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”).
NBC’s February ratings “sweeps” strategy is that you won’t be able to resist tuning in to these two great comics.
“49 Hours,” CBS at 10: If you think gangs are a problem only in huge cities, check out “Can Justin Be Saved?” The hour profiles an 11-year-old Salt Lake City youth who is one of the Utah capital’s 3,000 gang members.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Paul Reiser (“Mad About You”) and singer Rod Stewart.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Alec Baldwin, singer Dwight Yoakam and actress Natalie Portman.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Jay Thomas.
xxxx Cable Calls “Chinatown” (1974), TNT at 5: This “Our Favorite Movies” screening of the Jack Nicholson-Faye Dunaway classic is hosted by actor-comedian Robert Townsend, whose commentary includes an attempt to recast the film. Call me old-fashioned, but I’d prefer to watch this brilliantly written and acted movie sans wisecracks. “Ancient Mysteries,” A&E at 6 and 10: The series begins a flight of first-run episodes on a new night and with a new host: Leonard Nimoy. “Blood and Treasure in Peru” chronicles the mysterious appearance of gold and silver artifacts that suddenly flooded Peru’s art market.