Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. What a difference a day makes. On Wednesday we were still in the "sweeps" period when ratings were more important. The networks deluged us with specials and new episodes. Today, the sweeps are over and life is cruel. The best Thursday shows — "Friends," "Will and Grace," "ER," "CSI" — have reruns; "Survivor" has a recap. Fortunately, some reruns are worth seeing again. The "Friends" season-opener was a dandy and it airs again tonight. It begins after the wedding of Chandler and Monica. At the reception, rumors of Rachel's pregnancy spread — along with much misinformation. Meanwhile, Ross meets the woman (Bonnie Somerville) who will become his girlfriend. And when Joey learns a Broadway producer is there he wants to be noticed. The result is a packed, funny episode. ——

"Survivor: Africa," 7 p.m., CBS. Just short of the halfway mark, the show pauses for a recap.

"Popstars 2," 7 p.m., WB. Here's the big moment: With the final field down to 10, the judges decide who will be in this new pop group.

"Quest for the Ring," 7 p.m., FOX. With the first part of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy ready to reach movie theaters, here's a preview.

"Inside Schwartz," 7:30 p.m., NBC. This new episode has Schwartz working on a sports show where he's depicted as a bumbling fan. He enjoys it — for a while.

"Will and Grace," 8 p.m., NBC. In a rerun of the season-opener, Will returns from his vacation, resuming a friendship with Grace that's so tight that they finish each other's sentences. Her boyfriend (Woody Harrelson) frets and fumes.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. This rerun has Grissom probing a construction worker's 12-story fall.

"The Terminator" (1984), 7 p.m., USA Network. Thirteen years before he hit the jackpot with "Titanic," James Cameron showed his immense talent. His lean script and great direction tell of a young woman (Linda Hamilton) who has no idea why a robot from the future is trying to kill her.

"Three Sisters," 8:30 p.m., NBC. A new episode has the sisters spending split Thanksgivings. Bess is at the home of Steven's mom (Valerie Harper); Nora and Annie feud so much that they have separate dinners in the same apartment.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. A Thanksgiving rerun from last year has Abby trying to get her homeless mom (Sally Field) to leave.

Tonight on News 8

Get the latest news at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. from Howard Dashefsky and Jodi Leong, plus up-to-the-minute weather from Sharie Shima.

• At 5: Minna Sugimoto presents another segment on parenting.