Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"American Idol: The Search For a Superstar" premiere, 7:30 p.m., Fox. In recent summers, networks have found something to kick fresh life into the rerun blues. There was ABC's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" one year and CBS' "Survivor" the next. Now it may be Fox's turn. "American Idol" is based on "Pop Idol," a British hit from Simon Fuller, the creator of the Spice Girls. In tonight's 90-minute opener, the judges visit seven cities and choose 100 singers. On Wednesday, they'll trim that to 50. Then the show settles into a pattern. On Tuesdays, 10 people will perform; viewers have two hours to vote by phone for a winner who will be announced the next day.

"AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Passions," 7 p.m., CBS. From "Gone With the Wind" to "When Harry Met Sally," Hollywood has savored love stories. Now an American Film Institute poll has picked the best. Expect lots of clips and comments.

Of Note

"That '70s Show," 7 p.m., Fox. The show starts rerunning the episodes with guest roles by movie star Luke Wilson. He plays Kelso's brother who is dating Donna.

"Spin City," 7 p.m., ABC. Here's another key guest role with Michael J. Fox visiting his old show. His character falls for a beautiful zoologist, played by Olivia d'Abo of "The Wonder Years."

"Biography," 9 p.m., A&E. Ever since she moved there, the British have been fascinated by Madonna. The BBC combined with A&E for this portrait.

"Boston 24/7," 9 p.m., ABC. This hour revisits Tommy Kaplanes, an idealistic assistant district attorney who has been struggling for months to get his first conviction. It follows two people, police detective Roy Frederick and upscale chef Barbar Lynch, who grew up poor.