TV tonight: 'Idol,' 'Mentalist,' 'Middle'
American Idol
Fox, 8 ET/PT
TV's most successful talent show returns for a fourteenth run with an opening round of auditions in Nashville. Back once again are Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. — the show's best panel since the original trio, and perhaps the first where all three seem to get along and all have something to say that makes sense. Now they need to prove they and the show can still find and launch a Kelly Clarkson/Carrie Underwood-sized star, because being able to do so is what made Idol so successful in the first place.
The Mentalist
CBS, 8 ET/PT
We're nearing the end of the road for The Mentalist, which launches its final eight-episode run in this new time slot. Tonight, Abbott (Rockmond Dunbar) is forced to choose between his morals and his career, which hardly seems fair considering his career only has a few more weeks to go.
The Middle
ABC, 8 ET/PT
If you're looking for comedy to kick off your evening, turn to this terrific family sitcom, which tonight boasts an appearance by Kirstie Alley. She plays a former high-school queen who ignored Frankie when they were in school together, but now wants to be best friends. Mike fears this pairing is a bad idea, and if patterns hold, Mike will turn out to be right.