CBS brings Barker to sweeps race
Here we are, knee-deep in the 21st century, and CBS is still broadcasting “The Price is Right” (8 p.m., CBS) in primetime. During sweeps, no less. Bob Barker hosts, as he has since 1492. This is not the 21st century I had anticipated. (Grid prepared before schedule change.)
Speaking of sweeps events, viewers can say goodbye to “Third Watch” (9 p.m., NBC). The cop/firemen/EMS drama goes out with a bang when angry gang members besiege the precinct house.
But before their fate is known, or sealed, as it were, viewers can catch a glance of former cast members Michael Beach, Eddie Cibrian and Kim Raver (currently playing Audrey on “24”). Aidan Quinn also guest stars, just in time for the riotous send-off.
In all honesty, I never understood the appeal of this paramedic soap opera. And I half suspected that NBC only kept it around so as not to upset its creator, John Wells, who happens to be the influential executive producer of “ER.” If you want to see a silver lining in the demise of “Third Watch,” perhaps this means that NBC will keep “American Dreams” around, also so as not to upset Wells, who also produces “Dreams.”
Network synergy abounds as Matt Lauer from NBC’s morning show “Today” moonlights on NBC’s cable cousin USA to host “The Good Life of Golf Superstars” (7 p.m., USA), an hourlong celebration of the golf styles of the rich and famous. Or is that the rich style of the golfing famous?
Now don’t get me wrong, I like golf about as much as the next public course duffer who has never honestly broken 100. But the thought of Greg Norman proudly standing in front of a five-acre collection of cotton sweaters is hardly my idea of exciting television.
Is there a duller subject than the conspicuous spending habits of professional golfers? If this “Good Life” succeeds, what other tedious shop-athons can we anticipate? “NASCAR Dads Celebrate Take Your Daughters to the Mall Day”? “Second Homes of Dentists”? “You Can Take It With You!: Crypt Styles of the Rich & Thrifty”? Now that’s product placement!
Singer Lee Ann Womack discusses her musical influences and performs live before a small studio audience on the special “Lee Ann Womack: There’s More Where That Came From” (9 p.m., CMT). In addition to singing songs from her current album, Womack reflects on her favorite singers, including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Dottie West and Tammy Wynette. Womack reflects, “This is the album I’ve dreamed of making since I was a young Texas girl listening to the classics.”
The two-dimensional submarine joker “SpongeBob SquarePants” (8:30 p.m., Nickelodeon) returns, fresh from the culture wars, for a whole new 20-episode season, beginning with the new episode “Fear of a Krabby Patty/Shell of a Man.”
Other highlights
On back-to-back episodes of “Hope & Faith” (ABC), an old flame (9 p.m.), indecision (9:30 p.m.). Season finale.
An unidentifiable aircraft may be linked to a murder investigation on “Numb3rs” (10 p.m., CBS).
A father and son confess to the same killing on “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” (10 p.m., NBC).
Scheduled on “20/20” (10 p.m., ABC): “news” about the show “Lost.”
Series notes
Tom Bergeron hosts “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (8 p.m., ABC) … Terrorists threaten to scuttle talks to form a federation on “Star Trek: Enterprise” (8 p.m., UPN) … Vince shows up with another girl on “What I Like About You” (8 p.m., WB).
On back-to-back episodes of “Reba” (WB), games of chance (8:30 p.m.), touchdown madness (9 p.m.).
Tyra Banks hosts “America’s Next Top Model” (9 p.m., UPN) … Allison’s beau raises concerns on “Living with Fran” (9:30 p.m., WB).
Late night
Christina Applegate and Brian Regan appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts Hayden Christensen, Tracy Ullman and Beck on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) …
Jet Li, Jennifer Esposito and Amos Lee chat on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (12:35 a.m., NBC.