WASHINGTON, February 21, 2013 —Now in its sixth season, The Big Bang Theory is well on its way to becoming one of the most watched sitcoms in television history. Just like the incredibly popular sitcom Friends, The Big Bang Theory depends on an ensemble cast to tell its story. But that’s where the similarities between the two end.
Unlike the beautiful and popular cast of Friends, The Big Bang Theory is about a group of brilliant but socially awkward brainiacs who make being nerds actually seem cool. Well, almost. That said, being socially awkward and noticeably less than beautiful is probably a lot easier to identify with for most TV viewers, so expect audience loyalty to carry this show well past its sixth season.
Following The Big Bang Theory on CBS is Two and a Half Men, a show that, despite Charlie Sheen’s prediction it would tank without him, consistently lands in the top ten of Nielsen favorites. Apparently, great writing for great characters is more important than the celebrity any of the cast members might bring to the table.
Considering that Sheen’s new show, Anger Management, is barely hanging on with less than a million viewers per episode, one has to wonder how many times Charlie has kicked himself for being so presumptuous. Then again, only sobriety would humble him enough to admit he made a mistake. Since Sheen has said he doesn’t believe in rehab, don’t expect any public apologies from him any time in the near future.
Rounding out the CBS Thursday night lineup are two dramas that also consistently land in the top 25 Nielsen shows. Both mystery-thrillers Person of Interest and Elementary are effective continuing dramas worth viewing in their own right. Add to that the carry over audience that The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men bring to these two shows, and it doesn’t take a genius to predict they will be around for a while as well.
For anyone who shuns this stellar prime time lineup, there’s always Swamp People. I don’t understand the allure of this show, but last week over four million viewers tuned in to watch. I wish the producers would focus a little more on the rich Cajun heritage of the cast of Swamp People and a little less on killing alligators. After all, how many times can anyone watch an alligator getting its brains blown out before it gets old? I guess the producers of Swamp People will answer that question for us.
Tonight’s viewing:
All times are EST:
8 p.m.
ABC: Zero Hour: (New) Hank and Beck have a perilous confrontation with White Vincent; Rachel and Arron uncover information about the rose commandment.
CBS: The Big Bang Theory: (New) Koothrappali is put out when his date walks out in the middle of their evening, so he vows that he will forever stay put in his apartment. Meanwhile, Sheldon is quite impressed when he witnesses Penny’s acting skills firsthand.
FOX: American Idol: (New) The first group of male semifinalists take the stage.
NBC: Community: (New) In support of Troy and Abed, the study group heads to InspectiCon - the annual Inspector Spacetime Convention. Matt Lucas and Tricia Helfer guest star!
CW: The Vampire Diaries: (New) When Stefan arrives back in Mystic Falls with Elena and Jeremy, Caroline is immediately worried about Elena’s state of mind. Stefan reaches out to Dr. Fell (guest star Torrey DeVitto) and Matt for help. Still on the island, Damon relays somber news to Rebekah, and is surprised at her reaction.
8:30 p.m.
CBS: Two and a Half Men: (New) Walden runs into his ex-wife, Bridget, at a singles event, and their conversation turns to reconciliation, but Alan worries that they’re no longer compatible.
NBC: Parks and Recreation: (New) “Leslie and Ben” and “Correspondents’ Lunch” air back-to-back on this special night. Don’t miss this surprise wedding event!
9 p.m.
ABC: Grey’s Anatomy: (New) As news of Seattle Grace’s financial issues spreads, Catherine wants Jackson to move to Boston and the interns fear for their jobs; the doctors try to save the hospital by meeting with a possible investor; Jo is impressed with Alex.
CBS: Person of Interest: (New) A lethal and sexy government operative who tracks and stops terrorist threats before they occur finds herself on the run – and the new focus of Reese’s and Finch’s attention. However, their mission proves to be their most challenging yet when they discover that her remarkable skillset equals their own.
CW: Beauty and the Beast: (New) After a dinner where Cat (Kristin Kreuk) introduces Vincent (Jay Ryan) to Heather (Nicole Gale Anderson) ends badly, Heather enlists Tess (Nina Lisandrello) to stage an intervention with Cat. Evan (Max Brown) receives an interesting proposition that could change the course of his cross species investigation and at an event to honor Joe (Brian White), Heather goes missing and Vincent is forced to make a tough decision that saves her life.
9:30 p.m.
NBC: 1600 Penn: (New) Skip takes the public on his own insider’s tour of the White House. Bruce Campbell guest stars.
10 p.m.
ABC: Scandal: (New) Olivia and the team end up acting as high-powered matchmakers for Peter Caldwell, an up-and-coming politician; David thinks he is being followed; Fitz is faced with a delicate hostage situation.
CBS: Elementary: (New) Sherlock investigates a case involving a wealthy philanthropist who believes his incurable illness was given to him on purpose. Meanwhile, Sherlock tries to teach Joan his deductive skills by sending her to a suspicious dry cleaning establishment.
NBC: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: (Repeat) The detectives help the FBI by working with a prostitute from one of their old cases, hoping her link to a man on a killing rampage will prove useful.
Basic cable:
New episodes of:
Highway Thru Hell at 8 p.m. on NGC
Mysteries at the Museum at 9 p.m. on Travel Channel
Shahs of Sunset at 9 p.m. on BRAVO
Auction Kings at 9 p.m. on DSC
Swamp People at 9 p.m. on History Channel
Comic Book Men at 9 p.m. on AMC
Freakshow at 9:30 p.m on AMC
Anger Management at 9:30 p.m. on FX
The First 48 at 10 p.m. on A&E
Immortalized at 10 p.m. on AMC
North Woods Law at 10 p.m. on Animal Planet
Kathy at 10 p.m. on BRAVO
Property Wars at 10 p.m. on DSC
Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell at 10 p.m. on Food Channel
Archer at 10 p.m. on FX
Big Rig Bounty Hunters at 10 p.m. on History Channel
House Hunters at 10 p.m. on HGTV
King of the Nerds at 10 p.m. on TBS
What Not to Wear at 10 p.m. on TLC
House Hunters International at 10:30 p.m. on HGTV
Suits at 10 p.m. on USA
For movie lovers:
8 p.m.
Brassed Off on FLIX
Batman Returns on IFC
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life on SHO
Double Indemnity on TCM
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on ENC
9 p.m.
Blazing Saddles on CMT
The Lucky One on HBO
Varsity Blues on MOMAX
That’s My Boy on STARZ
My Soul to Take on Syfy
10 p.m.
The Chronicles of Riddick on CINEMAX
The Sitter on HBO
A Place in the Sun on TCM
4:44 Last Day on Earth on TMC
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