Posted on: Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Simon Cowell has never been fond of celebrity judges. So far, Lionel Richie is the only one he's praised. Now comes the exception with Gene Simmons of KISS guest-judging in New Orleans. "He's brilliant," Cowell says. It's tough to tell if Cowell is being cynical but Randy Jackson, his colleague, agrees that Simmons was excellent. Jackson also figures this hour has the best talent collection. "I'll go out on a limb and say New Orleans was the bomb, because that's my home state, Louisiana." Paula Abdul, the other judge, echoed: "New Orleans rocked; New Orleans was killer."

Of Note

"Gilmore Girls," 7 p.m., WB. Lorelei usually loves snow but she has some bad experiences with it.

"The Most Outrageous Moments on Live TV 2," 7 p.m., NBC. We see odd moments with Bill Clinton, Rudolph Giuliani and others.

"My Wife and Kids," 7 p.m., ABC. David Leisure guests as Jay's disapproving psychology professor;

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. After a brief break, this excellent show is back. Dr. House tries to help a sick teen whose mom distrusts his medical work.

"One Tree Hill," 8 p.m., WB. Haley's older sister arrives. It turns out that she has a past with Nathan.

"Scrubs," 8 p.m., NBC. Colin Farrell guest stars in his first American TV role. He plays a fun-loving Irishman who is injured in a bar fight; this may not be a huge stretch.

"NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC. After an executive is killed, his daughter offers a helpful clue.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. A 7-year-old boy was missing in 1980. His body is finally found, offering clues about the culprit.