TVSquad

The Black Donnellys (Mon., 10PM, NBC) series premiere
There are no original ideas in the movies -- everything's a sequel, prequel or "re-imagining." So, it's no surprise that this new show from Oscar-winning movie producers Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco (Crash) tries to be an Irish version of The Sopranos. The Donnellys comprise four brothers: hothead Jimmy, gambling Kevin, artistic Tommy and baby Sean. When Jimmy kidnaps Kevin's bookie, the brothers find themselves facing off against the Italian mob.

Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? (Tue., 9:30PM, Fox) series premiere
Class is in session! Reality TV maestro Mark Burnett presents this new game show that tests just how much adults have forgotten since their elementary school days. Over three days this week, host Jeff Foxworthy will asks questions about everything from math to grammer to American history. And instead of using a lifeline or asking the mob, contestants can turn to some pint-sized experts: a group of real fifth graders.

America's Next Top Model (Wed., 8PM, The CW) 8th season premiere
Can you believe Top Model is in its eighth season? Who knew way that a show hosted by Tyra Banks would be so successful? Or that watching skinny girls parade down a runway or pose in a photo shoot every week could be so addictive? Of course, the show would be nothing without its catfights. Cycle eight starts off with a controversial political photo shoot. Will the claws come out between Blue State and Red State girls?

Nashville Star (Thu., 10PM, USA) 5th season finale
Tonight's Nashville Star finale is worthy of its own melodramatic country song. Two of the three finalists are talented siblings Angela and Zac Hacker, who are apparently related to Elvis. I suppose I could avoid favoring one over the other by rooting for hunky David St. Romain, but I can't help championing Angela. Her rendition of 'Strawberry Wine' (one of my favorite country songs) killed. The lady's got star quality. Here's hoping she wins that record contract.

The 38th NAACP Image Awards (Fri., 8PM, Fox)
This year, legend Bill Cosby, musician Bono and CNN anchor Soledad O'Brien receive special Image Award honors, while TV nominees include America Ferrera, Dennis Haysbert and Tyler James Williams. That's all very well and good, but I'll be watching to see if Grey's Anatomy nominee Isaiah Washington shows up and if he addresses the furor he caused by using an anti-gay slur. Nothing makes an awards show more interesting than a controversy.

The Winner (Sun., 8:30PM, Fox)
If the title Arrested Development hadn't already been taken (and by a fabulous show ... sigh), it'd be perfect for this new comedy from Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane. Rob Corddry, very much missed from The Daily Show, plays a 32-year-old named Glen who is still living with his parents, a virgin and barely able to leave the house thanks to hypochondria. All that changes when the only girl he ever kissed, Alison, moves back to town with her socially-inept son, Josh.

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