Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Boarding House: North Shore" premiere, 7 p.m., WB. Visually, this show is dazzling. That starts with the setting along the beaches of O'ahu. We watch seven surfers — trim, taut types — share a beautiful beach house during competitions. Think of this as "The Real World" with bikinis, biceps and prizes. It's always watchable, whether or not we like the people. Toughest to like is Sunny Garcia, a frequent champ who admits he's too quick to rage and violence. Still, he brings a nobility as he battles age (32 is ancient for surfers) and injuries. The younger people — led by dead-serious surfers Holly Beck and Myles Padaca — are an attractive and likable bunch. Mark Burnett produces "North Shore" with the same strong production values he gives "Survivor." During its six-week run, we could get hooked.

Of Note

"Fame," 7 p.m., NBC. In its early episodes this talent show trimmed the field to 12 finalists — some of them remarkably talented singers and dancers. Now the sifting begins; two people will be dropped tonight.

"That '70s Show," 7 p.m., Fox. In this rerun, Donna's parents are away for the weekend. Eric senses an opportunity.

"Paradise Hotel" debut, 8 p.m., Fox. With most reality shows viewers simply watch and wish they were inside the TV set. Now there's an outside chance they can be there. Each week, the show will oust one person from a luxury hotel and insert a viewer as the replacement.

"Making the Band" preview (9:30 p.m.) and season-opener (10 p.m.), MTV. This continues last year's story, in which Sean Combs — alternately known as P. Diddy and Puff Daddy — created a hip-hop group. For a refresher on what happened, catch the preview at 9:30; then continue following the group at 10.

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. Here's a third chance to see a fairly interesting episode. The case seems simple enough. A young man admits that he shot a policewoman at random. Then a slick defense lawyer (Gregory Hines) steps in and things get complicated.