Chris O'Donnell and Kim Raver on 'NCIS: Los Angeles.' Photo credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS
CBS had three “CSI” series, and now the network will test whether viewers want a third “NCIS.”
The wildly popular Mark Harmon original offers a new episode at 8. A Marine’s widow seeks the team’s help after her husband dies in Afghanistan. Michael Weatherly, who plays Tony, directed the episode.
Then “NCIS: Los Angeles,” the popular spinoff, sets up what could be the third series in a two-part installment that starts at 9 and ends next week. The third show would feature Kim Raver (“24,” “Grey’s Anatomy”) and John Corbett (“Northern Exposure,” “Sex and the City”) as members of a mobile team known as the Red unit. Here’s hoping that the episodes are good, because the “NCIS” formula is so potent that CBS is likely to schedule the series in the fall. But as “CSI” demonstrated, a strong formula can loose its punch when repeated.
CBS is trying something a bit different with “Golden Boy,” a new police drama that airs at 10. The series draws on fine performances from Theo James as the title character, a rising detective, and Chi McBride as his sarcastic veteran partner. Another draw tonight: Polly Draper of “thirtysomething” plays the troubled mother of the title character.
The competition is strong at 10. FX counters with another episode of “Justified,” and the trailer suggests that Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) must outwit and outplay the vicious Boyd (Walton Goggins). ABC offers a new “Body of Proof” with Dana Delany, NBC presents more “Smash” (which is headed to Saturdays on April 6) and Comedy Central serves up more “Tosh.0″ with Central Florida’s Daniel Tosh.
A variety special in prime time is a rarity, but The CW will help Justin Timberlake sell CDs with an album release party at 8.
ABC tries to find more reality gold with “Splash,” a celebrity diving show, at 8. Olympic great Greg Louganis mentors Louie Anderson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, “Cosby Show” favorite Keshia Knight Pulliam, reality star Kendra Wilkinson and others. ABC is betting that you want to see them take belly flops.
Reality embarrassment comes in several varieties. It’s wet on “Splash.” It’s hot on ”Hell’s Kitchen” at 8 on Fox. It’s funny on “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” at 8 on NBC.
The broadcast comedy in the 9 p.m. hour is new. NBC offers “Go On” and “The New Normal.” Fox delivers “New Girl” and “The Mindy Project.” The ratings have been tepid, yet Fox has renewed its sitcoms.
“Dancing With the Stars” returned in a big way Monday, and ABC will replay the premiere highlights and lowlights at 9. But no one is going home until next week. The biggest lowlight was comedian D.L. Hughley, who seemed lost on the dance floor. Can he stage a comeback on Monday?
