'Hell's Kitchen'(9PM, Fox) 5th season premiere
The largest pool of contestants ever -- 16 -- will try to win Chef Gordon Ramsay's reality show this season, and more contestants means more chances for the prickly Gordo to go off on one of his trademark rants.
Like in tonight's opening challenge, in which the chefs are told to prepare their signature dishes. All goes well at first, with Gordon calling the food the 'best ever.' But when it comes time to serve, things turn disastrous, including a major meltdown in the kitchen before the dinner guests are even seated.
Meanwhile, the prize for the chef who can ultimately withstand Gordo's kitchen heat: A job as the head chef at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
'Private Practice'
(10PM, ABC)
Addison's bro (Grant Show) may be too close for her comfort when he moves to La La Land to begin working at Pacific Wellcare, while Violet finds out that neither of her potential baby daddies is gung ho about the pitter patter of little feet.
'The Trials of Ted Haggard'
(8PM, HBO)
Disgraced Colorado minister Haggard is back in the news, which makes this HBO documentary a timely primer on what led to his downfall.
'Sober House'
(10PM, VH1)
Steven Adler, Steven Adler, Steven Adler. The former Guns N' Roses drummer gets busted using heroin in the sober-living house, leading to yet another drug arrest.
'Eleventh Hour'
(10PM, CBS)
Hood's on the case when a murdered millionaire is discovered to have two fully functional hearts inside his corpse. Rich people really do have it all ... fancy cars, big homes, spare organs.
'Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash'
(9PM, VH1)
New daddy Jerry O'Connell hosts this live pre-Super Bowl concert that'll include performances by Rihanna, Fall Out Boy and Lifehouse.
'Burn Notice'
(10PM, USA)
Michael tries to help a high school football player stay out of the line of fire of some local thugs, while Fiona helps Michael in his continuing quest to find out who blew up his loft.
'Greg Behrendt's Wake-Up Call'
(10PM, SoapNet)
Greg tries to help a couple comprised of a woman who doesn't like her body and has a hard time getting close to her boyfriend, who's a dude who isn't so much for public displays of affection. Yep, that's gonna lead to friction.
Also on tonight:
- 'American Idol' (9PM, Fox)
- 'The Beast' (10PM, A&E)
What's on tomorrow: 'Monk,' 'and more
Check out our TV calendar for a look at the month ahead
Top TV Headlines
Sarandon Joins 'ER'
Actress Susan Sarandon is reportedly checking in to County General. The Oscar winner was spotted on the set of 'ER' last week, spies E!, where she filmed scenes with none other than Dr. Ross himself -- aka George Clooney. Further details on the guest spot have yet to be revealed. (Jan. 28)
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Shonda Rhimes Goes to Washington
ABC has greenlit another Shonda Rhimes pilot -- seriously. The new show is called 'Inside the Box,' reveals TV Guide, and will be set around a female news reporter and her co-workers in Washington, D.C. No word yet on who will play the McPresident. (Jan. 28)
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Fox to Air Scheuring's 'Masterwork'
Fans still mourning the cancellation of 'Prison Break' finally have something to celebrate. According to the Hollywood Reporter, creator Paul Scheuring is returning to Fox with a new pilot entitled 'Masterwork,' said to feature a global search for rare artifacts. This time, we hope Scheuring doesn't solve everything in one season. (Jan. 28)
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Parker, Sarandon Join Reality Series
Sarah Jessica Parker is returning to television. The Emmy-winning star of 'Sex and the City' will appear on the reality series 'Who Do You Think You Are?' executive-produced by Lisa Kudrow. The show, which will explore celebrities' ancestral history, also features Susan Sarandon, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 'Think' premieres Apr. 20 on NBC.
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Johnston Eyes New Role
Kristen Johnston may star in the Fox remake of 'Absolutely Fabulous,' scoops Variety. Johnston reportedly appeared at a table-reading for the series, where she's up for the role originated by Jennifer Saunders. Sounds pretty 'Fabulous' to us. (Jan. 28)
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Somerville on 'Duty' for New Comedy
Bonnie Somerville is joining the cast of 'Off Duty,' reports the Hollywood Reporter. Somerville joins Bradley Whitford in the comedy about a police detective who makes life difficult for his new partner, played by Romany Malco. The show will air on NBC with a premiere date yet to be determined. (Jan. 28)
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TBS Renews 'Meet the Browns'
Get ready to meet a lot more of the 'Browns.' The hit TBS comedy has been renewed for a whopping 80 episodes, says Variety, and could return as early as this summer, where it would air opposite Tyler Perry's (pictured) 'House of Payne.' A new episode of 'Meet the Browns' airs tonight at 10PM. (Jan. 28)
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ABC Shuffles Thursday Lineup
Here's some ugly news for 'Ugly Betty' fans: According to the Ausiello Files, the Emmy-winning series is about to be put on hold to make room for ABC's new Thursday-night lineup. Starting Mar. 26, the network will air 'In the Motherhood' and 'Samantha Who?' instead, bumping 'Betty' off the airwaves temporarily. And we thought 'Betty' would never go out of style. (Jan. 27)
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Poehler's Comedy Goes 'Public'
'The Untitled Amy Poehler Show' finally has a title ... for now. The show will likely be called 'Public Service,' reports the New York Times, with a premiere date scheduled for Apr. 9. The report also mentions that 'Service' was slated for a post-Super Bowl debut, but was pushed back due to the 'Baby Mama' star's pregnancy. Either way, we're happy it finally has a due date. (Jan. 27)
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Senate Delays DTV Switch
TV fanatics worried about next month's digital TV switch can relax a little. Yesterday, the Senate voted to delay the switch from Feb. 17 to June 12, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Look for consumers everywhere to remember this report on June 11. (Jan. 27)
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Reader Comments (1)
Bet Killette at 3:01PM on Jan 29th 2009
Horrible show....abusive and just plain stupid. I could cook circles around this ding dong and slap him with a skillet if he spoke to me the way he does these young people...it's cooking for crying out loud. What else can he do?? DUH!