Thursday 29
“Blue Collar TV” (KWBQ-19 7 p.m.) The WB adds its own sketch comedy show, this one populated with the likes of such redneck comics as Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy. This should make an interesting addition WB's usual “urban” lineup.
Friday 30
Evel Knievel (TNT 6 p.m.) One of my favorite toys as a kid was the officially licensed Evel Knievel stunt cycle. (What a genius marketing idea that was–a toy designed to be crashed into walls or thrown off of roofs. … Mom, I need another one!) If you remember the '70s superstar as well as I do, you're gonna wanna see this TV biopic directed by John Badham (WarGames, Point of No Return) and starring George Eads (“CSI”). Cast includes Beau Bridges, Jaime Pressly and Lance Henriksen. It's gotta be better than the 1971 biopic starring George Hamilton.
Saturday 31
Evel Knievel (TNT 6 p.m.) TNT is rerunning its Evel Knievel biopic tonight (and Sunday night). But, as a super special bonus, tonight's airing will be preceded by Knievel spawn Robbie Knievel (who had his own action figure back in the day) attempting to jump the U.S.S. Intrepid aircraft carrier live on television. Man, it's like I'm 7 again!
Sunday 1
“American Candidate” (Showtime 10 p.m.) Showtime's new “ultimate reality series” features 10 ordinary people who have been selected to run for president of the United States. Each week, the candidates square off in a series of “challenges” (what, like cockroach eating?) to see who is the best candidate. Then, it's off on the campaign trail. … Well, the chosen winner couldn't do any worse than Dennis Kucinich.
Monday 2
“Lincoln Financial Battle at the Bridges (KOAT-7 7 p.m.) Wow. Nothing says “We've given up on summer programming” like prime time golf.
“Animal Games” (Discovery 7 p.m.) Cute animals forced to compete in Olympic-style games of strength and skill? Now that's my idea of fun. Rumor is those damn beavers were ejected for steroid use, however. If I've told them once …
Tuesday 3
“The Player” (KASY-50 8 p.m.) UPN's new reality series (man, that's a term I'm getting tired of writing) follows a group of self-described “players”–or “playaz” as the case may be–who try to score with a Miami model. … Hmm. Sounds like your average Friday night at Coliseum.
Wednesday 4
The Next Action Star: Bet Your Life (KOB-4 7 p.m.) The reality show competition “The Next Action Star” all boils down to this, a cheap Wednesday night made-for-TV movie starring the winner. It's about a high-stakes gambler who talks a former NFL player into a life-or-death wager. I feel even worse for co-star Billy Zane (Titanic), who's reduced to co-starring in a cheesy made-for-TV vehicle for the winner of “The Next Action Star.”
