Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. The 32 semifinalists each have had their shot, with eight promoted to the finals. Now it's time to choose four wild-card picks. Tonight, Jennifer Hudson, George Huff, Leah LaBelle, Elizabeth LeTendre, Lisa Leuschner, Jon Peter Lewis, Marque Lynche, Matthew Metzger, Tiara Purifoy, Susie Vulaca, Katie Webber and Eric Yoder all get their shot. On Wednesday, we'll learn which will advance.

"The Shield," 10 p.m., FX. This passionate cop show starts its third season in crisis mode. Dutch and Claudette are investigating a messy case. Someone has stolen millions from the Armenian mobsters. Now the mobsters have started a violent mission to learn who did it. What the investigators don't know is that the money was taken by fellow cops, led by Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis). It's a strong opener.

Of Note

"What Not to Wear," 4, 7 p.m., BBC America. The American version of this show is fun, with people getting fashion interventions. Now a new season begins for the British original.

"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. In this 40-minute episode, Phoebe marries Mike. Parts of this go too far, reducing Joey and Ross to cartoon characters (again). Still, Monica's efforts as overwrought wedding planner are hilarious.

"Significant Others," 7 and 7:30 p.m., Bravo. Here's a fresh approach to situation comedies, viewing several couples in marital counseling. It uses some improvisation but the quick-cut style avoids slow spots and creates fresh, fast fun. This is a six-episode tryout that starts with two tonight.

"Cracking Up" debut, 8:30 p.m., Fox. Mike White is the brilliant writer of such movies as "School of Rock," "Orange County" and "The Good Girl." Now he's created a fairly promising sitcom. A grad student (Jason Schwartzman of "Rushmore") is the live-in therapist for a boy. The student feels that the lad's parents (Molly Shannon and Christopher McDonald) are far wackier.