Watch it
“Community” (8 p.m., NBC). The study group considers a couple of new additions: Annie’s crush and Senor Chang.
“The Office” (9 p.m., NBC). The gang share their new year’s resolutions, and Michael waits to hear how Holly’s lovelife is. More importantly, if she’s newly single.
“Parks and Recreation” (9:30 p.m., NBC). Season premiere. The best network comedy is finally back. Whooo, it’s been way too long. Tonight the gang reunites after budget-mandated time off, and find themselves working for a broke parks department. But Leslie has a plan. I’ve read a few critics’ previews (here’s Sepinwall and Goodman), and the upcoming season sounds hilarious. Oooh, and don’t forget, Rob Lowe and Adam Scott are regulars now. Can’t wait to see it.
“30 Rock” (10 p.m., NBC). Hmmm, I’m curious to see how this does at its new later time. Tonight the show is hit by budget cuts, Jack’s wedding hits a Liz Lemon-related snag and Tracy has a health scare.
“The Daily Show” (11 p.m., Comedy Central). The special guests are the hosts of, basically, a Persian version of “The Daily Show.” Should be interesting.
“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” (12:35 a.m., NBC). Featuring a special reunion of the late, great indie band The Dismemberment Plan. It’s a good night for indie rock: The Decemberists perform on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (11:35 p.m., NBC) and Ra Ra Riot are on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (12:05 a.m., ABC).
Record it
“Wipeout” (8 p.m., ABC). More winter hi-jinks (even though it’s shot in 80-degree Southern California weather).
“Perfect Couples” (8:30 p.m., NBC). Technically not the series premiere, since there was a preview episode in December, but that was shown out of order (thanks, NBC), so this is the true first episode. It’s a romantic comedy about a handful of couples. It stars the Waitress from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and Olivia Munn from G4. It desn’t look terrible, but it’s only the fifth- or sixth-best sitcom on NBC tonight.
“Royal Pains” (9 p.m., USA). Mid-season premiere. It’s still summer in the Hamptons for Hank. This isn’t a bad show, but it’s just never interested me.
“Jersey Shore” (10 p.m., MTV). Thank god “Parks and Recreation” is back, because it’s been shameful to admit that “Jersey Shore” has been the funniest show on TV this month. But wow, it’s been brilliant. The show’s really regained its mojo after a terrible season in Miami. That’s not to say it’s not stupid and awful — it is, and that’s the point. It’s perfect mindless entertainment, watching stupid characters say and do things that are so stupid you can’t help but laugh. I’m loving it. Tonight, Snooki gets out of jail, Deena meets Ronnie’s doppelganger and J-Woww’s boyfriend dumps her.
Skip it
“American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox). OK, now that the curiosity factor of seeing the new judges has been satisfied (yes, Steven Tyler will drool and leer at 16-year-olds), there’s not a particularly compelling reason to watch again until the real competition begins. Tonight they’re in New Orleans for more auditions.
“Fairly Legal” (10 p.m., USA). Series premiere. Tired of lawyer shows? Here’s one without the lawyer. Sarah Shahi (“Life,” “The L Word”) stars as a San Francisco lawyer who gets fed up and quits her job to become a mediator. Let me guess the premise: In every episode, by resolving a client’s problems, she’ll also be addressing the problems in her own crazy life. This looks totally predictable and a cut below USA’s fine crop of breezy, entertaining character dramas.
