New ‘Survivor’ faces stalking Fox
It’s men vs. women again, at least to start, on “Survivor: Vanuatu — Islands of Fire,” debuting tonight at 8 on CBS.
We’ve already met the 18 castaways for the ninth installment of producer Mark Burnett’s reality-show triumph, which takes place on the islands of Vanuatu, in the South Pacific near the volcanic “Ring of Fire.”
Sorcery, ritual and even cannibalism are allegedly part of the lore of the area, so host Jeff Probst and the rest of the “Survivor” gang should feel right at home. And no doubt there’ll be a fresh twist or two.
Who’ll be the next reality-TV star, the next Rupert or Boston Rob? Only time will tell, but the pigtailed sheep farmer Dolly has the kind of looks that put her among the early favorites.
There’s also the FBI agent named Brady and the older woman rancher named Scout.
That Burnett knows his stuff.
But there’s a new level to the game this year. Another network is going right at him.
Fox will move its white-hot summer soap “The O.C.” to Thursdays at 8 on Nov. 4, after the baseball playoffs and right about the time the “Survivor” tribes are merging, I’d guess.
Tonight and next Thursday the battle will be joined with “O.C.” specials.
Tonight at 8, it’s “The O.C.: Obsess Completely,” featuring a retrospective of the first season, and bragging about the instant star status of the cast and the show’s huge splash in pop culture.
It’s followed by one of those “Totally Outrageous Behavior Caught on Tape” specials, which, if you’ve followed the plot lines on “The O.C.,” seems sort of redundant.
Highlights
“Joey,” NBC at 8: Michael moves into Joey’s apartment to seek independence from Mom, and Joey decides to take him out on the town to teach him how to meet women.
Tonight’s ratings should say a lot about the future of “Joey,” now that it has real competition (see above).
“Will & Grace,” NBC at 8:40: Season premiere features Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. picking up the story from May. Lopez is back in New York after concluding her concert tour, but she can’t seem to get away from Karen and Jack.
Meanwhile, in the story line no one cares about anymore, Grace boohoos to Will about her cheating hubby (Connick).
“The Benefactor,” ABC at 9: One hopeful’s future hinges on a game of Jenga.
“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” CBS at 9: Physical evidence contradicts a rape victim’s ID of the perpetrator. Repeat.
“Wide Angle,” on KSPS at 9: “An Honest Citizen” looks at one courageous woman leading Colombia’s fight against the corruption and violence of the drug trade, at considerable risk to herself.
“The Apprentice,” NBC at 9:20: “Scoop Dreams” finds the 17 remaining mogul wannabes taking on the ice-cream business.
The winners are treated to champagne and caviar, while the losers face the Donald in the boardroom.
“PrimeTime Live,” ABC at 10: Season premiere.
“Without a Trace,” CBS at 10: A woman and her children disappear from a yacht in New York Harbor.
Family Fare
“Motocrossed” (2001), Disney Channel at 8: A girl blames herself for her racer brother’s injury, so she secretly takes his place.
Cable Cast
College football, ESPN at 4:30: California at Southern Mississippi.
Creature double feature, AMC at 8: The great “War of the Worlds” (1953) followed at 9:50 by the original “Godzilla” (1954).
Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies, Golf Channel at 5: Two-hour special.
“Inside the NFL,” HBO at 8: Repeat of last night’s season premiere of the news-and-highlights show.
“Underworld” (2003), HBO at 9: Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman star in a stylish tale of a world secretly divided between vampires and werewolves.