Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must See

"Queer Eye for the straight guy," 7 p.m., NBC. After continuing to draw record ratings for its home network Bravo, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" is again being called up to the majors — NBC. In this episode, the gang works its magic on George Katsigiannis.

"House Rules," 5 and 10 p.m., TBS. Here's a high-energy, high-stakes show, sort of "This (not very) Old House" meets "Trading Spaces." At stake are three impressive houses in suburban Houston. Each is a few decades old; the rooms could use remodeling and redesign. Now three couples move into them. Over three months, they'll compete for budgets, then work on rooms. Viewers will choose the winner and that winner will get to keep their house. The opener works well because it has interesting couples.

Of Note

"Joan of Arcadia," 7 p.m., CBS. Joan, who really wants to hang out with the popular kids, is told by God to join the chess club.

"Miss Match," 9 p.m., NBC. Charisma Carpenter (formerly of "Angel") guests as Kate's former high school foe who is now looking for help finding a guy.

"The George Lopez Show," 7 p.m., ABC. George's mom has been feeling bad lately, but the reason is a surprise.

"Hope & Faith," 8 p.m., ABC. Faith (Kelly Ripa) has been a soap star, but now she learns she didn't quite graduate from high school. She goes back to make up the class she flunked.

"Merge," 8 p.m., Lifetime. After last week's amiable premiere, this show settles into a later time slot. Lisa Rinna hosts, as designers decide how to merge the stuff of two individuals before they move in together.

"The Handler," 9 p.m., CBS. Joe (the talented Joe Pantoliano) usually is supervising other undercover cops. Tonight, he goes undercover to try to stop a bank heist.