NBC gives lineup a makeover

Mon., Feb. 27, 2006

Kevin Mcdonough United Feature Syndicate

Fresh from the Olympics, NBC presents a restructured Monday schedule, with “Deal or No Deal” (8 p.m., NBC) and “The Apprentice” (9 p.m., NBC) leading up to “Medium” (10 p.m.).

“Las Vegas” moves to Friday nights. “Surface” may never live up to its name again.

The network did a fine job of using the Olympics to promote the change. The best ad had Donald Trump waking up bewildered “Medium” star Patricia Arquette to announce his move to Mondays. It was a funny juxtaposition of two TV images, one sensitive, sleepy, female and seemingly unconcerned, the other loud, male, manic, self-promotional and absurd. Trump appeared to be having fun with his image.

But that was before last week’s public squabble with failed fellow “Apprentice” host Martha Stewart.

I had a chance to speak with “Deal” host Howie Mandel last week, and he seemed genuinely excited about “Deal” and the chance to introduce so many worthy contestants.

“I didn’t think I’d get so involved,” Mandel said. “But I can’t help myself. My heart goes out to these people.” He cited the potential for the cash prize to completely change lives.

“That’s what makes the show so wonderful, frustrating and sometimes devastating.”

“Deal” will air every night this week and then on Monday nights at 8 p.m. NBC will also air “Deal” on Friday nights for three weeks, beginning March 10.

The “cute Beatle” sings some old songs and some new songs but avoids the silly love songs on “Great Perfomances: Paul McCartney: Chaos and Creation at Abbey Road” (10 p.m., KSPS). McCartney performs in front of a small audience at the legendary recording studio.

Other highlights

Night No. 1 of the finale of “Skating with Celebrities” (8 p.m., Fox).

A videotape reveals Barney’s hidden, sensitive past on “How I Met Your Mother” (8:30 p.m., CBS).

The president reacts to the first lady’s bold gesture on “24” (9 p.m., Fox).

Two-hour au revoir on “The Bachelor: Paris” (9 p.m., ABC).

“American Experience” (9 p.m., KSPS) recalls the hijacking of three jetliners on Sept. 6, 1970, by a radical Palestinian group. The hijackings would be America’s introduction to international terrorism.

A molester’s murder on “CSI: Miami” (10 p.m., CBS).

Allison feels drawn to an accused teen killer on “Medium” (10 p.m., NBC).

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