WHAT WE’RE WATCHING:
THE OFFICE (8PM NBC)
Michael assembles his new company’s dream team, which means Ryan should expect a phone call any minute now.
PARKS AND RECREATION (8:30PM NBC)
In the series premiere, mid-level bureaucrat Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) must turn an abandoned construction site into a community park. Which sure sounds simple enough, until you consider the fact that Knope must do so in a comedic manner that attracts just enough viewers to save NBC President Ben Silverman’s job.
THE OFFICE (9PM NBC)
Putting to test the age-old question: Is there such a thing as too much OFFICE-like mockumentary comes a second helping of THE OFFICE revolving around Andy and Dwight’s frienaissance, Charles demanding a “rundown” from Jim and Michael holding a Paper and Pancakes company luncheon which might end up as a flat affair.
30 ROCK (9:30PM NBC)
The economic meltdown hits 30 Rock, with word of imminent budget cuts putting a damper on TGS’ 50th episode celebration.
SOUTHLAND (10PM NBC, CTV in Canada)
This drama following LA cops from ER veteran John Wells and from Emmy-winning scribe Ann Biderman (NYPD BLUE) gets a lot right in tonight’s premiere: capturing the unadorned grit of the job, SOUTHLAND extends beyond the conventional approach of network crime shows by allowing itself be raw, and not being afraid to be dark. The performances are great (particularly a matured Benjamin McKenzie of THE O.C.) and mood is right, but restricted — it would be twice the show it is if it were given the freedoms cable provides. Still, its smart, strong work. Grade: B+ — Aleks Chan
HARPER’S ISLAND (10PM CBS, Global in Canada)
Like LOST, nothing is what it seems when a wedding party ends up stranded on an isolated island. Unlike LOST, fans will get definitive answers when this 13-part mystery concludes on July 2. Click here for theTVaddict.com’s review.