Monk’ has hands full in premiere
It’s an exciting week for fans of “Monk,” the USA network’s obsessive-compulsive detective.
On Tuesday, the show’s first season was released on DVD. And tonight at 10, it’s the third season premiere on USA. A repeat marathon airs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., for those as obsessive as their hero.
Tony Shalhoub stars as the ex-San Francisco police detective who was undone by the murder of his wife and is now in the grip of assorted raging compulsions, most of them centered on cleanliness and order. Bitty Schram is Sharona, his nurse/sidekick, who helps him keep it together while he’s tracking down the bad guys.
That’s going to be a taller order than usual tonight, as Monk is in the chaos of New York, trying to track down another clue to his wife’s murder even as he must solve a killing at his hotel.
Highlights
Sitcom repeats, ABC at 8: A “George Lopez,” a “Married to the Kellys,” a “Hope & Faith” and a “Life with Bonnie.”
“Joan of Arcadia,” CBS at 8: God wants Joan to go jump-rope with some inner-city teens. Repeat, postponed from last week due to coverage of Ronald Reagan’s death, I believe.
“Dateline,” NBC at 8: Two hours.
“What I Like About You,” WB at 8: Repeat. Holly throws an anti-prom.
“Grounded for Life,” WB at 8:30: Lily, Brad and Jimmy sign abstinence pledges. Repeat.
“JAG,” CBS at 9: The engagement ring the admiral bought for his intended might be a product of smuggling.
“Reba,” WB at 9: Back-to-back reruns. In the first, Martin Mull guests as a family counselor. In the second, at 9:30, Barbra Jean fixes Reba up on a blind date.
“48 Hours Investigates,” CBS at 10: Identical twins reunited. Repeat.
“Las Vegas,” NBC at 10: Repeat with Jon Lovitz as a suicidal guest who gets a new lease on life.
Family Fare
“Phil of the Future,” Disney Channel at 7: As in, “I’ve had my” premiere.
Sitcom about the travails of an adolescent and his family, all from the future and marooned in our present. Four back-to-back episodes, repeating at 11, for if your kids have no bedtime. Ricky Ullman stars.
Cable Cast
Croc Week continues, Animal Planet at 8: Tonight Steve’s in Antarctica. I don’t remember there being any crocs there, do you?
Golf, ESPN at 5: Taped action from the first round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island, N.Y.
“What Should You Do?” Lifetime at 10: Second-season premiere. Leeza Gibbons hosts this hour of worst-case-scenario tips illustrated via cheesy re-enactments.
“On the Record with Bob Costas,” HBO at 11: Kevin Kline and David Byrne.