‘Nova’ recalls high times of Concorde
“Supersonic Dream” on “Nova” (7 p.m., KSPS) looks at the three-decade history of the Concorde, the French-British airliner designed to break the sound barrier and revolutionize air transport.
After the plane’s maiden flight in 1969, most experts assumed that the future belonged to supersonic travel and that New York-to-London trips would take just a few hours. Yet here we are, more than 30 years later, with airliners flying not much faster than the old 727s of the 1960s.
What happened? Covering the Concorde story from its heyday to the tragic Paris crash of 2000, “Supersonic” includes vintage footage from an era of more glamorous travel and interviews with Concorde fans including Henry Kissinger, David Frost and other jetsetters.
British comic Jimmy Carr hosts “Distraction” (10:30 p.m., Comedy Central), a simple quiz show with a sadistic twist. Carr presents contestants with fairly straightforward trivia questions, but as they answer they are beset by a multitude of annoyances.
In one segment, stunt actors batter participants with prop bottles and breakaway furniture every time they ring the buzzer.
In another segment, contestants are challenged to fasten clothespins to their faces while answering questions.
It gets very old very fast, as does Carr’s crude sexual banter.
“American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox) returns with two hours of auditions.
Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson all return as well.
Admit it, “Idol” ain’t hip, but it’s more addictive than Rush Limbaugh’s Oxycontin stash.
Other highlights
Rory stumbles onto a secret campus society on “Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m., WB).
Is Jonathan’s physical and emotional abuse of his wife Victoria just an act? Does it matter? Like legions of viewers, I’ve stopped watching “The Amazing Race” (9 p.m., CBS).
The four-hour documentary “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson” (9 p.m., KSPS) concludes.
The rabbit expires on “Judging Amy” (10 p.m., CBS).
An apparent revenge killing of a gang member proves more complicated on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).
A restaurant owner’s taste for young women proves troublesome on “NYPD Blue” (10 p.m., ABC).
The new documentary-style series “My Super Sweet 16” (10:30 p.m., MTV) explores the planning, primping and drama behind coming-of-age celebrations.
Cult choice
Former first brother Roger Clinton appears in the 1994 horror sequel “Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings” (9 p.m., Sci Fi) as a character named Major Bubba.
Series note
A deadly doppelganger on “Navy NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS) … Caroline Rhea hosts a cast reunion on “The Biggest Loser” (8 p.m., NBC) … A simple game becomes an obsession on “My Wife and Kids” (8 p.m., ABC) … Second thoughts on “All of Us” (8 p.m., UPN).
George has doubts about Ernie’s intended on “George Lopez” (8:30 p.m., ABC) … Post-breakup spats on “Eve” (8:30 p.m., UPN).
Elliot is a competitive distraction on “Scrubs” (9 p.m., NBC) … Home-surveillance wars on “According to Jim” (9 p.m., ABC) … A tough girl in a weird town on “Veronica Mars” (9 p.m., UPN) … Prom night on “High School Reunion” (9 p.m., WB).
An intimate letdown on “Committed” (9:30 p.m., NBC) … First impressions at a fancy gathering on “Rodney” (9:30 p.m., ABC).
Late night
Ice Cube appears on “Late Show with David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts Samuel L. Jackson, Tara Reid and music by Alter Bridge on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) … Tony Shalhoub and Elefant appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (12:05 a.m., ABC).
Heidi Klum, Harland Williams and Joss Stone are booked on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (12:35 a.m., NBC) … Craig Ferguson hosts Regis Philbin and Rob Morrow on “The Late, Late Show” (12:37 a.m., CBS).