Big networks will skip GOP’s opening
The Republican National Convention begins tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The major TV networks plan to give the event the same three hours total of prime-time coverage they gave to the Democratic convention in Boston.
But with the Dems, if memory serves, the networks skipped Tuesday night’s festivities.
With the Republicans, the networks are taking a pass on opening night.
So if you want to see the convention tonight, you’ll have to dial up C-SPAN (complete coverage begins at 4 p.m.), KSPS (at 5) or the various cable news channels, which will have specials and regular shows devoted to the event.
The rest of you might want to check out the two-hour “preview/premiere” episode of “The Complex: Malibu” on Fox at 8.
If you’ve ever renovated a home or even a room with your significant other, this should be hilariously familiar. Or maybe all too much so.
In this new reality show, which lands in its regular time slot on Friday, eight couples will compete to restore and redecorate units in a Malibu, Calif., condo complex.
Who survives will be determined by the quality of their renovation of the master bedrooms.
A real-estate person, a decorator and an architect will decide who stays and who goes.
You might watch this for home decoration tips, I suppose.
But the real fun here is watching the couples fight among themselves and with each other as the project goes forward or sideways. Or backward.
Tyler Harcott hosts.
Highlights
Preseason football, ABC at 5: Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys.
“Still Standing,” CBS at 8: The Millers go head to head with the sanctimonious Halversons in a battle for the affections of the neighborhood teenagers. Funny repeat.
“Fear Factor,” NBC at 8: Season premiere! Already! I’m afraid! It’s a reunion of the five couples from last year’s couples contest.
“Yes, Dear,” CBS at 8:30: The two couples go to counseling. Michael Boatman of “Spin City” guests. Repeat.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 9: Katherine Helmond guests as Debra’s mother, who wants Ray’s help with planning a surprise party. Repeat.
“Last Comic Standing,” NBC at 9: Two-hour season premiere brings comics from the first two seasons back for a consolation round.
“Two and a Half Men,” CBS at 9:30: The housekeeper (Conchata Ferrell) brings her sexy granddaughter to work, and predictable chaos results. Repeat.
“CSI: Miami,” CBS at 10: Plastic surgery death may not have been what it seemed. Repeat.
Family Fare
“7th Heaven,” WB at 8: Simon returns home. Repeat.
“Everwood,” WB at 9: Ephram and Amy plan a prom date together. Repeat.
Cable Cast
Airport cheese, AMC at 8: “Airport 1975” (1974) followed at 10 by “Airport ‘77” (1977). High camp 1970s disaster dramas, with George Kennedy, Charlton Heston, Karen Black, Helen Reddy, Gloria Swanson, Brenda Vaccaro and many, many more — casting that just keeps on giving!
Baseball, ESPN2 at 5.
“Seabiscuit” (2003), HBO at 8: Tobey Maguire, Chris Cooper and Jeff Bridges star in the Depression-era tale of an underdog horse-turned-champion.
Late Night Talk
“Late Show with David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics gold medalist Carly Patterson and musical guest LL Cool J.
“Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” NBC at 11:35: Dave Chappelle and musical guests Toots and the Maytals with Bonnie Raitt, who guests on the reggae kings’ excellent new album.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.
“Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35: Eric Bana, Amy Poehler and Sondre Lerche.