Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Happy Hump Day! We’ve got a fabulous night of television ahead of us.  Sadly Fox is airing the World Series and not GLEE, but the GLEEkers will be singing the national anthem before one of the games (perhaps #3) so you can still get your GLEE fix this week. If you are a GLEEker, then maybe you haven’t given MODERN FAMILY a shot on ABC. It’s one of the best new shows and hands down one the best comedies on TV.  Give it a whirl tonight.

Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t Lose.
DirecTV subscribers really have the best deal tonight because it marks the season premiere of my favorite TV drama – FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS.  If you haven’t yet experienced FNL then please make it a priority to watch it online, buy the DVDs, borrow them from a friend – do what you need to get caught up on this amazing show. There’s nothing else like it on TV today.

Friday Night Lights | 9pm on DirecTV (only)
“East of Dillon”
Principal Tami (Connie Britton) is taking heat for the high school redistricting, her husband is recruiting new team members (including a troubled lad played by Michael B. Jordan), and the mighty Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) struggles with college life.

Given my praise, you may be shocked to know that I have tonight’s FNL season premiere. It’s sitting right next to me and has been for at least two weeks.  But I’ve really wanted to wait until I was pain free enough to truly enjoy it.  Not having a good day today, but I don’t think I can put it off any longer.

It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown | 8pm on ABC
The classic 1966 holiday special is back. Linus waits in the pumpkin patch for the elusive Halloween symbol to appear; a bonus cartoon, “You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown,” features Linus in a run for class president. [GMMR: Yes, it’s on again tonight! Don’t ask me?  Does ABC have that little faith in HANK?]

The Middle | 8:30pm on ABC
“The Block Party”
When Brick’s teachers determine that he is socially challenged, Mike involves him in various activities, eventually settling on the block-party lawn-mower contest.

Modern Family | 9pm on ABC
“Run For Your Wife”
Jay and Gloria have a disagreement about Manny’s choice of outfit for his first day back at school; Cameron and Mitchell freak out when Lily gets a bump on the head.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 9pm on NBC
“Spooked”
When a young couple is found dead in the back of a padlocked truck, detectives discover the male victim was connected to a Mexican drug cartel.

Cougar Town | 9:30pm on ABC
“A Woman in Love (It’s Not Me)”
Jules decides to break things off with Josh when he tells her he loves her; Grayson, Bobby and Andy put money and pride on the line during a golf game.

Eastwick | 10pm on ABC
“Bonfire and Betrayal”
The town embraces its heritage with an old-fashioned witch burning at Halloween; Roxie races to save those she loves from peril; Kat tries to help Joanna win back Will; Joanna discovers that things can always be worse.

Top Chef: Las Vegas | 10pm on Bravo
“Meat Natalie”
Las Vegas, the chef’testants are faced with a TV dinner Quickfire Challenge — inspired by a list of TV shows compiled by the editors of TV Guide! The remaining chef’testants visit Tom’s restaurant, Craft Steak at the MGM Grand, and are tasked with cooking for Oscar winner Natalie Portman and friends — but are met with an interesting twist that makes their mouths drop.

Also playing…

• Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space | 8pm on NBC: When mutant pumpkins try to take over Earth on Halloween, the monsters must combat the gourds and try to end their wicked scheme.
• America’s Next Top Model | 8pm on The CW: Tyra sends the models to Hawaii for the rest of the competition; the models get surfing lessons from Buzzy Kerbox; Kirsty Hume serves as a guest judge.

• Nip/Tuck | 10pm on FX: Sean makes an impulsive life change; Annie visits from New York with a disturbing medical condition; Christian offers advise to Mike on how to satisfy Kimber.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Patrick Dempsey, Bud Selig, Sting
• The Jay Leno Show: Chelsea Handler, Brian Williams
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Chris O’Donnell, Lindsey Vonn, Uncle Kracker
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Madeleine Albright, Rodrigo y Gabriela
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Edward Norton, Hulk Hogan, “Weird Al” Yankovic
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: James Marsden, Atticus Shaffer, Flyleaf
• Chelsea Lately: Jenny Mollen, Jen Kirkman, Randy Sklar, Jason Sklar
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Kate Flannery, Kevin Christy
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, Anna Baltzer
• The Colbert Report: Brian Cox

What will YOU be watching? Leave a comment or send me an update on Twitter (new: @gmmrtv).