Thursday 8
“Pure Genius” (Discovery 8 p.m.) In this brainy new game show, contestants are faced with a high-tech challenge and must use their ingenuity and resourcefulness to solve the problem. Think of it as “Jeopardy” with tools.
Friday 9
“Rocked with Gina Gershon” (IFC 8:30 p.m.) Everybody dreams of becoming a rock star, even famous actors, apparently. IFC's new documentary/reality series follows sexy actress Gina Gershon (Showgirls, but we forgive her) and her attempts to cross over into the world of rock 'n' roll.
The Kitschen (TV Land 10 p.m.) TV Land's campy late-night TV block gives itself over to the world of Sid and Marty Krofft. Come home after a night of boozing, collapse on the couch and freak out to the likes of “Lidsville,” “Sigmund & the Sea Monsters,” “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “Electra Woman & Dyna Girl.”
Saturday 10
Men in Black/Six Degrees of Separation (KOB-4/KWBQ-19 7 p.m.) Here's a weird conjunction of talent. I suggest flipping frequently between channels, comparing and contrasting the young Will Smith in his breakout dramatic role and the older Will Smith in one of his most overblown summer blockbusters.
Sunday 11
See above.
Monday 12
“IRS Horror Stories” (A&E 7 p.m.) Just a gentle reminder from the fine folks at A&E that your federal tax returns are due on Wednesday.
Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision (USA 7 p.m.) Jason Scott Lee takes over for Jean-Claude Van Damme in this sequel to the dopey 1994 sci-fi action flick. … Seriously. How lame do you have to be not to talk Jean-Claude Van Damme into your crappy movie?
“Miss USA 2004” (KOB-4 8 p.m.) Billy Bush hosts tonight's superfluous “talent pageant.” Perhaps next year, Billy's unemployed uncle will be joining him as co-host.
Tuesday 13
“100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time” (Comedy Central 9 p.m.) Taking a cue from countdown-happy E!, VH1 and The Travel Channel, CC spends five nights counting down the funniest comedians. … Hey, at least it keeps the boys down in file footage hopping.
Wednesday 14
“I'm Still Alive” (UPN 8 p.m.) Paramount executives, expending the least amount of energy possible, have come up with this brilliant idea for a new TV show: Real people recount their captured-on-video brushes with death. You know the routine: Surfer gets bit by shark, parachute fails to open, bear mauls hiker. The title of tonight's show is “I was on Fire for a Minute and a Half, But I'm Still Alive.” Yeah, that ought to stretch out to an hour real nice.
