‘Benefactor,’ ‘LAX’ make their debuts
Lots of new stuff on the networks tonight, including the season bows of the WB’s popular Monday family dramas.
But let’s focus on a couple of potentially delicious trash TV premieres.
At 10, ABC rolls out “The Benefactor,” its attempt to score a little of “The Apprentice” audience with another raging billionaire.
Businessman and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is the mogul of the moment, and while he may not have Donald Trump’s name recognition, he has better hair. Well, sort of.
Cuban is going to give a million bucks to the winner among 16 contestants who’ll jump through a series of hoops and bark like a dog — I mean, uh, take a series of tests designed to reveal their values and character.
Oh, and there’s no waiting for the boardroom scene. At any time, Cuban may tell a contestant, “Sorry, your million-dollar dream just ended.”
Also at 10, NBC will offer what sounds like a big, steaming hunk of 1970s — or at least early ‘80s — style cheese with “LAX.”
Heather Locklear is the airfield boss at Los Angeles International Airport — don’t hurt yourself laughing — who frequently butts heads with terminal manager Blair Underwood.
The network promises “security breaches, tearful reunions, illegal immigrants, missing children, runaway animals, drug busts, drunken pilots,” plus assorted romantic adventures among the ensemble cast.
Let’s hope that around Episode 3 they bring in someone for Locklear to get in a good ol’ ‘70s style cat fight with.
Highlights
“Still Standing,” CBS at 8: One more week before the CBS Monday season premieres. Tonight’s repeat finds Brian stretching his wings by moving into the garage.
“North Shore,” Fox at 8: Frankie’s club at the Grand Waimea opens with great success, but police detectives reveal that his dream may be at risk.
“Fear Factor,” NBC at 8: Four couples face stunts including the old limo in the lake trick.
“Monday Night Football,” ABC at 5: Carolina Panthers host the Green Bay Packers.
“Yes, Dear,” CBS at 8:30: Repeat finds Jimmy and family living in Mr. Savitsky’s guest house.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 9: Ray and Robert sit in the van and begin to talk about the future. funny repeat.
“Renovate My Family,” Fox at 9: In Part 1, the main goal was to improve the living conditions for Steven, 17-year-old in a wheelchair. Tonight’s Part 2 shows what reality TV can do when it sets its mind to doing good.
“Las Vegas,” NBC at 9: Season premiere. Danny returns home from the war, and he’s having a hard time adjusting to civilian life.
“Two and a Half Men,” CBS at 9:30: A vasectomy for Charlie? Repeat.
“CSI: Miami,” CBS at 10: Porn star is whacked. Repeat.
“Extreme Oil,” KSPS at 10: Premiere. All the world’s “easy oil” has been found, PBS tells us, so the oil industry has to go to extremes to keep our tanks full.
In the first part of this three-week series, “The Pipeline,” the filmmakers follow the 1,100-mile BTC Pipeline, from Azerbaijan to the Mediterranean and the global market.
Family Fare
“7th Heaven,” WB at 8: Season premiere. Simon is getting close to his new girlfriend, Georgia (guest-star Rheagan Wallace), and Eric and Annie suspect they are having sex. The fact that the episode’s title is “Dropping Trou” suggests their suspicions may not be so far-fetched.
But then again, this is “7th Heaven.”
“Everwood,” WB at 9: Ephram and Amy are reunited after Ephram’s summer at Juilliard, and we meet the town’s newest citizen, Jake Hartman (Scott Wolf, “Party of Five”), who turns out to be a doctor looking to open a practice in town.
Cable Cast
“Bulworth” (1998), Comedy Central at 7: Few saw this Warren Beatty vehicle in theaters, and it may speak to our current election. He’s a burned-out senator who starts telling the truth. Halle Berry tops a large supporting cast.
“Growing Up Gotti,” A&E at 9:30: A dinner party devolves.
“The Ring” (2002), HBO at 10: Naomi Watts stars in a bizarre thriller about a killer videotape. Based on a Japanese film.
Late Night Talk
“Late Show with David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Kirsten Dunst and musical guests Chris Robinson and the New Earth Mud. Repeat.
“Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” NBC at 11:35: The cast of “Will & Grace.”