Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. Greg Kinnear offers a boost in this terrific rerun. He plays a top scholar who is managing a foundation that could give Ross a grant. The catch: Ross can have the money only if he dumps his girlfriend Charlie (Aisha Tyler) — the former girlfriend of Kinnear's character. That story works wonderfully. The other parts — Phoebe's weird artwork, Joey's odd audition tape — are mostly silly.

"The Graham Norton Effect," 7 p.m., Comedy Central. Can American TV capture the offbeat zest of British humor? It will try again with this talk show. The British version is a delight. Outspoken and flamboyant, Norton finds new ways to mix guests, sketches, music and the studio audience. If the American bosses leave him alone, this will be a terrific show.

Of Note

Basketball draft, 1:30 p.m., ESPN. It's time for the annual NBA draft, where teenagers take their first steps toward being millionaires.

"Without a Trace," 7 and 9 p.m., CBS. The first rerun involves a TV reporter who did a story about a heroin dealer; the second has a new lead on a 4-year-old case.

"North Shore," 7 p.m., Fox. If you missed the second episode Monday, here's another chance. Tessa Lewis gives this show the rough-edged character it needs; she's a troubled young scam artist, played by Amanda Righetti.

"Will & Grace," 8 p.m., NBC. Will tries to soothe the lovelorn Grace, then jilts her instead. Meanwhile, Candice Bergen plays Karen's nemesis.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. A wealthy-looking man is killed in a seedy, drug-infested neighborhood.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. In an unlikely story line, Carter urges Neela to be assertive. The result is disastrous for her, the patient and the gallant Dr. Gallant.

"Frontline/World," 9 p.m., PBS. A report on the growing AIDS crisis in India explores the disease's "frontline": prostitution. Another segment looks at the dangers faced by illegal aliens at the U.S.-Mexico border.