Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

MUST-SEE "Making the Band," 7 p.m. ABC. Last year, we saw the start of a boy band called O-Town, with — then without — local boy Ikaika Kaho'ano. Now we follow the group through early success. Each episode provides a problem, albeit a small one. In tonight's first episode, Jacob sees a disturbing trend. His distinctive voice keeps being eliminated or blended down for records; the issue goes all the way to the top of the record label. In the second, Erik is battered by a death in the family. At the same time, he's still deciding whether to meet the father he hasn't really known since he was a baby.

"You've Got Mail" (1998), 8 p.m., TNT. Here's the basic-cable premiere of a likeable romantic comedy about modern city dwellers who fall in love anonymously by e-mail. Too long and contrived, the story is salvaged by the immense talent of its stars (Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks) and director (Nora Ephron). In "Sleepless in Seattle," that combination was magical; here, it's at least enjoyable.

"Freakylinks," 8 p.m., Fox. This long-delayed show continues offering new episodes in the summer. Tonight, a woman was in a car that exploded but there's no trace of her body.

Basketball, 7 p.m. (tape delay), NBC. Here's the second game in the NBA finals.

"A Brother's Promise: The Dan Jansen Story" (1996), 9 p.m., Lifetime. This is a straightforward account of the Olympic speedskater who persevered despite tragedies. Matt Keeslar is solid as Jansen; Jayne Brook is luminous as his sister.