Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"American Idol," 7:30 p.m., Fox. Tonight, we learn which 32 young singers are propelled to the next round. Next week, viewers and judges begin choosing 12 finalists.

"In Search of Shakespeare" debut, 8 p.m., PBS. This four-week series digs into William Shakespeare's roots. In tonight's opener, Michael Wood visits the places young Will knew 430 years ago. Shakespeare's father was a farmer turned wealthy glove maker (possibly because he had a secret career as a dealer of wool), and became an alderman and mayor. Then the family went broke — presumably by clinging to the Catholic religion, which the queen banned. Shakespeare was 14 then and had already known intrigue, despair and religious pageantry.

Of Note

"The Apprentice," 7 p.m., NBC. This is now a home for reruns. Tonight, we see the episode in which each team runs a restaurant.

"That '70s Show," 7 p.m., Fox. Kelso decides to break into the police academy to see his file.

"The Bachelorette," 7:30 p.m., ABC. With just six guys left, Meredith calls in friends — including "Bachelor" runner-up Kelly Jo — for advice.

"The West Wing," 8 p.m., NBC. Toby goes on a secret mission to revamp Social Security.

"Oliver Beene" return, 8:30 p.m., Fox. This retro comedy returns. Tonight, young Oliver is gaga about a Swedish exchange student.

"America Beyond the Color Line," 9 p.m., PBS. In tonight's first hour, Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates visits such successful East Coast blacks as Colin Powell, Russell Simmons and chess master Maurice Ashley. In the second, he's in Hollywood, talking with Quincy Jones, Alicia Keys, Samuel L. Jackson and more.

"Angel," 9 p.m., WB. The return of Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter): She recovers from her coma and has a fearsome vision that plunges the story ahead.