Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, January 17, 2011

Welcome back, Monday!

Yes, almost all of our Monday night favorites return tonight with brand new episodes. And as an added bonus (if you can call it that), we’ve got a few new shows to check out, too. Of course this sounds good in theory, but in practice it’s a complete nightmare. There is just too much to watch in the 8pm hour.  Am I really supposed to choose between HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, CHUCK and PRETTY LITTLE LIARS? Sadly, yes. Life is so cruel sometimes.

As for those new shows, NBC brings us Kathy Bates as the star of HARRY’S LAW and over on Syfy is the long-awaited premiere of the U.S. version of BEING HUMAN. Vampires, werewolves and ghosts…oh my! But it’s not the only British remake premiering tonight. MTV has the premiere of SKINS. Um, it’s not for anyone younger than the girls on 16 AND PREGNANT…got it?

Check out some of the highlights from tonight’s TV lineup, and let’s have a chat about what you are going to watch when and how. More of my thoughts down below.

Chuck | 8pm on NBC
“Chuck Versus the Balcony”
Chuck embarks on two secret quests. As he tries to locate a nano-chip in the vineyards of France, he also attempts to stealthily concoct a romantic getaway for Sarah. Meanwhile, Lester pesters Big Mike to help him sort out his troubled love life. [GMMR: It almost feels like a brand new season of CHUCK. It’s been so long. Can’t wait to have Chuck, Sarah, Casey and the gang back tonight. Are you with me?!]

How I Met Your Mother | 8pm on CBS
“Last Words”
The friends travel to Minnesota to be there for Marshall as he buries his father. Ted and Barney try anything to make Marshall laugh. Marshall runs into an old nemesis from high school.

House | 8pm on Fox
“Larger than Life”
After saving a stranger who fell onto subway tracks, a man suddenly collapses despite appearing to be unscathed; House tries to avoid a dinner with Cuddy and her opinionated mother (Candice Bergen). [GMMR: Sad that I have had to give up on HOUSE this year. Can’t wait to play catch up this summer. Love this show, but Monday’s are just too nasty.]

Pretty Little Liars | 8pm on ABC Family
“Frenemies”
“A” tempts Hanna to return to her old criminal ways. Meanwhile, Noel continues to go after Ezra; Emily’s mother stops pretending to accept Maya; Spencer adjusts to her sister’s marriage; and the girls get some surprising assistance.

So much more after the jump…keep reading.

The Bachelor | 8pm on ABC
“Duet”
Brad and a date record a duet at Capitol Record studio, where they are surprised by singer Seal; 12 bachelorettes join Brad in shooting an action/adventure movie on the group date; one woman considers revealing her tragic past.

Greek | 9pm on ABC Family
“Cross Examined Life”
Rusty makes plans for Dale at a murder-mystery party. Elsewhere, Ashleigh drops by ZBZ for a surprise visit; Casey’s new law-school classmates spread rumors about her; and Cappie and Calvin work together on a philosophy project.

Being Human | 9pm on Syfy | Series Premiere
“There Goes the Neighborhood, Part I”
Part 1 of 2. After a bloody night out, a vampire and a werewolf decide to become roommates to look out for each other, and they find a townhouse that’s haunted by the ghost of their landlord’s fiancée in the opener of the series following three supernatural beings who try to live like humans. [GMMR: Adaptation of the hugely popular British version. Looking forward to checking it out. Are you?]

The Cape | 9pm on NBC
“Kozmo”
Max and the crew are threatened when a former friend comes to town; Dana encounters Palm City’s corruption; Peter and Marty continue their efforts to uncover Orwell’s true identity. [GMMR: Are you guys watching? Thoughts to share.]

Hawaii Five-0 | 10pm on CBS
“He Kane Hewa’ole”
A high-speed police chase ends with the pursued driver dead and a gruesome discovery of human remains in the suspect’s car. The investigation leads to an awkward reunion between Chin Ho and his ex-fiancée.

Harry’s Law | 10pm on NBC | Series Premiere
“Pilot”
Irascible attorney Harriet “Harry” Korn is fired in the series opener and sets up her own practice in an abandoned shoe store. The first case for her small team of unlikely colleagues: a young man facing his third drug offense.

Skins | 10pm on MTV | Series Premiere
The American adaptation of this provocative teen drama from across the pond makes its highly anticipated U.S. debut, and while the series, known for its frank depictions of teen sex and substance abuse, has been toned down for American audiences, the racy — and occasionally raunchy — premiere tells us that it will no doubt continually push the boundaries of basic cable. (TVGuide). In tonight’s premiere, Tony tries to help Stanley lose his virginity.

Also playing…

• Rules of Engagement | 8:30pm on CBS: Russell goes on a date at a magic show; Audrey tells Brenda’s girlfriend about the baby.

• Two and a Half Men | 9pm on CBS: Charlie begins stalking Rose (Melanie Lynskey); Alan becomes concerned when Eldridge and Jake begin videotaping dangerous stunts.

• Lie to Me | 9pm on Fox: Cal Lightman and his team investigate three high-school students responsible for a fatal traffic accident.

• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia| 9pm on Comedy Central: A blast from the past prompts the guys to expand membership and Dee to re-consider her future. [GMMR: Four back to back ‘It’s Always Sunny’ eps tonight from 9pm to 11pm.]

• Jersey Shore | 10pm on MTV: Sammi decides to make peace with Snooki and Deena; JWoww runs into Roger; Snooki gets arrested.

• Mike & Molly | 9:30pm on CBS: Molly is annoyed when Vince and Mike strike up a friendship.

What will YOU be watching? What are your Watch/DVR priorities. This is important business. Chime in below!

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @GMMRtv on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page. And to be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/givememyremotetv