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What to Watch on Thursday: A Lionel-less 'Duets' debuts

Duets (8pm, ABC) - The premiere of yet another singing competition. This one previously had Lionel Richie attached, but after news broke that Richie owed the IRS some money, he suddenly had "scheduling conflicts" and was replaced by John Legend. And with that change, the show went -- for me -- from "must see" to "not really interested." The competition now has Kelly Clarkson, Legend, Jennifer Nettles and Robin Thicke searching for amateur singers to perform duets with. You know who sang the greatest duet of all time? Lionel Richie ("Endless Love" with Diana Ross).

So You Think You Can Dance (8pm, Fox) - Season 9 begins with auditions in Dallas and New York.

Awake (10pm, NBC) - In the series (nooo!) finale, Britten faces off against his conspirators as the entire police force moves in on him.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - In the Season 3 premiere, Andy returns to work following her three-month suspension. Later, a car accident caused by a drunken driver (William Shatner) leads to the reopening of a 7-year-old cold case.

J. Crew and the Man Who Dressed America (10pm, CNBC) - David Faber reports on the J. Crew clothing retailer, including the company's process of conceiving, creating and marketing a new line of clothing. Interviews with J. Crew's CEO Mickey Drexler and Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour. Here's Adrienne's review.

Men at Work (10pm, TBS) - A new sitcom about four male friends working together at a magazine while also working their way through the challenges of life, love, etc., etc. Here's the review.
 

What to Watch on Thursday: Season finales for 'Suits,' 'Rookie Blue,' 'Louie'

Rookie Blue (9pm, ABC) - Two new episodes end the second season. In the 9 pm episode, Andy and Sam can't stay away from each other, which puts Sam in harm's way. At 10 pm, Andy blames herself for the situation with Sam, and the resulting investigation may have shocking repercussions.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers use computer technology to help them create signature fabric designs, but they must also venture out into the city to capture the stories behind their inspirations.

Suits (10pm, USA) - In the first season finale, Harvey tries to free an innocent man but hits a wall when he goes to the district attorney (Chi McBride), who seems more focused on preserving the system than seeking justice. Also, Trevor causes problems for Mike when he shows up on Mike's doorstep. (I'm personally fine with a 100% Trevor-less Season 2).

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - In the Season 1 finale, Ryan and Wilfred face an existential crisis after the Ryan ignores Wilfred's advice. "Wilfred" has been renewed for a second season. Poor Bear...

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie has a rough time in this Season 2 finale, titled "Airport." FX has picked up the show for a third season.

What to Watch on Thursday: Scared straight in Charlotte

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers must create outfits for series judge Nina Garcia, who will then sport the winning look at a big industry function. Fashion editor Joanna Coles and actress Kerry Washington are guest judges.

Do Something Awards (9pm, VH1) - Jane Lynch hosts the awards ceremony honoring social activism. Demi Lovato, Foster the People, and OneRepublic are slated to perform.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - A pharmaceuticals mogul hires Fiona and Jesse to do surveillance work for him, but he's hiding something about his business dealings. Elsewhere, Michael and Sam question a bomb maker tied to Max's murder.

Beyond Scared Straight (10pm, A&E) - In the show's second season opener, teens visit Mecklenberg County Jail in Charlotte. Teen troublemaker Jose goes head-to-head with terrifying inmates and Sgt. Garrett, one of the toughest female jail deputies in the show's history. When Jose refuses to follow an order, Sgt. Garrett makes it her mission to break him down. Here's a video sneak peek.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - Swarek runs a stakeout to keep an Asian gang from killing an informant, and Dov and Gail are assigned to assist him. Meanwhile, Andy and Chris join the Division 27 rookies in an equine competition.

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Two new back-to-back episodes tonight. Mary Steenburgen guest stars in the first as Ryan's nutty  mother, who moves in with him after spending 20 years in a "wellness center" and bonds with Wilfred immediately.

Louie (11pm. FX) - Louie takes his daughters trick-or-treating and meets a Hollywood mogul.

What to Watch on Thursday: A winner on 'So You Think You Can Dance'

So You Think You Can Dance (8pm, Fox) - The winner for Season 8 is chosen in part two of the season finale.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers must make garments for stilt-walking models. Later, they showcase their fashions in an outdoor runway show. Kim Kardashian is the guest judge.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Michael and Jesse go on an extraction mission on a Caribbean island but end up trapped there by mercenaries. Meanwhile, Fiona tries to get information out of an ex by doing a favor for him.

Sweet Home Alabama (9pm, CMT) - Devin goes to her hometown of Tuscaloosa, where she and her suitors volunteer to help with cleaning up tornado damage.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - The division is quarantined when a suspect presumed drunk collapses due to an unknown disease. Elsewhere, a bank robbery suspect is apprehended covered in blue dye, but the officers have trouble finding his violent accomplice.

Futurama (10pm, Comedy Central) - Fry's care for an alien egg doesn't pay off when it hatches into a horrible monster.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Project Runway' and HBO's 'Derek Jeter 3K'

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - Season 9 of the fashion-themed reality competition series returns. Here's a list of the new cast and where they're from. There's a special at 8 p.m. that follows the casting process.

Derek Jeter 3K (9pm, HBO) - A documentary going behind the scenes with the Yankee shortstop during the 2011 season as he approached 3000 career hits. Includes interviews with family, friends, teammates, and Yankees executives. Also, highlights from his career and footage from on and off the field.

Serving Life (9pm, OWN) - A documentary following inmate hospice volunteers at Louisiana's maximum security Angola prison as they care for dying fellow inmates. Narrated by Forest Whitaker. It beings as four volunteers are screened and trained for the daunting job.

Black Tide: Voices from the Gulf (9pm, Animal Planet) - A documentary examining how the 2010 BP oil spill affected the lives, businesses and animals of Louisiana's Gulf region, and how they are trying to rebuild. We have more about it here.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - An informant's murder is investigated, and Gail's mother, Superintendant Peck (Lauren Holly), arrives to ratchet up the pressure to solve the case. Gail is assigned to protect the only known witness to the crime.

Suits (10pm, USA) - The guys defend a woman falsely accused of insider trading. Elsewhere, Mike helps Rachel study for the LSAT and realizes she's close to discovering his secret.

Green Room with Paul Provenza (11pm, Showtime) - In this season's third episode, Richard Belzer competes in an impromptu "Jagger-off" and a kinda hostile Doug Stanhope goes after Jeneane Garofalo. Things get tense. It's totally uncensored and often pretty vulgar, but really interesting and funny as uh, heck. 

What to Watch on Thursday: Spotlight on music titan Quincy Jones

Expedition Impossible (9pm, ABC) - Wading through a treacherous river canyon, rappelling down a 300-foot waterfall, and baring all to master the art of henna are among the challenges contestants face in tonight's episode.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Michael takes part in a CIA murder investigation. Elsewhere, the team helps a former Army sniper who's looking to avenge his sister's injury.

Swamp People (9pm, History) - In the second season finale, hunters scramble to fill their remaining traps, and there are rumors of a monster gator in the area. Meanwhile, a storm is blowing in from the Gulf.

CNBC Titans: Quincy Jones (10pm, CNBC) - The financial network profiles Quincy Jones (right), the jazz musician-composer-producer who became the first high-level black executive at a major record company when he signed on with Mercury records in 1961. The profile includes his work with Michael Jackson and his forays into film and TV productions.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - Dov and Chris get a tip on a meth house that puts them in harm's way. Meanwhile, Jo (evil!) talks Luke into helping her on a surveillance job, which brings up old issues between them).

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Ryan volunteers at a hospice, but it's Wilfred who turns out to have a talent that's much in demand there. This gives Wilfred to make demands of his own.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie (the Emmy-nominated Louis CK) takes his daughters to visit his great aunt.

What to Watch on Thursday: Renewed "Rookie Blue" delivers for summer

Sweet Home Alabama (9pm, CMT) - In the series premiere of thise reality dating series (think countrified "Bachelorette"), Alabama's Devin Grissom meets 20 guys (10 country, 10 city), who try to sweep her off her feet. Four men go home in this first episode.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - I'll take this Canadian import over the rest of network summer fare any day of the week. Last week's episode (poor Luke!) was gripping. Tonight, expect more on that situation, plus the police investigate a series of arsons, and Andy and a widow wind up trapped in an unstable, burned-out building. ABC and Global TV announced yesterday that they're picking up this series for a third season (hooray!). Filming starts later this summer in Toronto.

Suits (10pm, USA) - Harvey defends a figure from Jessica's past, making it difficult for Jessica to detach herself from the case. Also, Mike is eager to take on a pro bono case, but soon learns it won't be an easy win.

Texas Women (10pm, CMT) - Another new reality series from CMT, this one following the lives and careers of four Texas women (sounds like "Real Housewives of Texas").

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Ryan tries to reconcile with his sister, and Wilfred is sent to doggy day care.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie has a rough show in Atlantic City and gets some career advice from Joan Rivers (playing herself), who is appearing at the same casino.

The Green Room with Paul Provenza (11pm, Showtime) - Comedian Paul Provenza talks about "the craft" with Ray Romano, Garry Shandling, Judd Apatow, and Marc Maron. Didn't Jerry Seinfeld just do this same show on HBO with Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock, and Louis CK?

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Big Brother' returns on CBS

Big Brother (9pm, CBS) - In the 13th season opener, eight new house guests are introduced, plus some notorious pairs from previous seasons who will also play the game.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - A full moon brings the crazies out as Andy and Swarek track a disturbed man while looking into the theft of three severed heads from a medical lab. Andy tries to protect a young woman who may be the next victim, and ends up putting herself and Luke in harm's way.

Suits (10pm, USA) - Harvey goes rogue in order to fix a crisis with a client despite Jessica's desire to reign him in. Elsewhere, Mike turns to Rachel for guidance when he learns he'll be hosting a dinner for rookies, and important tradition at the firm.

Extreme Chef (10pm, Food) - A mountain challenge has three chefs, including Rocky Mount's Chef Jerome Brown, hiking up a steep hill with all their cooking supplies and diving into a frigid lake to catch fish.

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Ryan gets his wallet back from his violent, porn-addicted neighbor (Ethan Suplee), who wants revenge on the thief, but who also wants a pal.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie searches for a new home in New York. Donna Hanover, ex-wife of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, plays Louie's real estate agent.

Ugly Americans (10:30pm, Comedy Central) - Callie reluctantly becomes her baby sister's guardian when their estranged parents' reunion proves to be a short one.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Extreme Chef' pushes cooks to the limit

So You Think You Can Dance (8pm, Fox) - Two of the 16 remaining dancers are eliminated, after a performance by the AXIS Dance Company. Kristin Chenoweth is a guest judge.

Expedition Impossible (9pm, ABC) - The challenges tonight include riding wild stallions and kayaking a raging river.

Extreme Chef (10pm, Food) - This new show hosted by Marsh Mokhtari challenges chefs to create delicious dishes under extreme circumstances. The ida is to push competitors to their mental and physical limits. Tonight, chefs must cook with unmarked canned goods when they're dropped off in a neighborhood in Newhall, California. Later, they must knock on residents' doors to gather cooking materials, and prepare hot appetizers on the block of a car engine. Heads-up: A local chef will compete in next week's episode, in which chefs must swim across a lake to gather ingredients. We'll have more on that soon!

Suits (10pm, USA) - Love this new show. Tonight, Mike has an ethical dilemma wwhen Louis forces him to make a decision that could hurt his relationship with Harvey. Elsewhere, Harvey's past comes back to haunt him during a case.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - Andy and Gail go undercover as cocktail waitresses ina club known for drug trafficking. Also, a young woman files a complaint against Dov, and Tracey finds she still has feelings for Det. Barber.

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Ryan deceives Wilfred to get him to the doggie dentist, and there are repercussions when Wilfred tells Ryan something disturbing about his owner, Jenna.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) -- Louie has an unsettling encounter on the way to a first "non-date," and later receives an intriguing proposition while dropping off Jane at school.

What to Watch on Thursday: A big night of summer premieres

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - In the Season 5 premiere, Michael works with his old agency to go after the people who burned him in a case that leads the group to Venezuela.

Expedition Impossible (9pm, ABC) - The debut of an ambitious new reality competition show hosted by adventurer Dave Salmoni (you may have seen him living with lions on Animal Planet). The new show is part "Survivor" and part "Amazing Race," featuring 13 three-person teams of ordinary people who go on grueling missions in Morocco. In tonight's opener, the teams tackle the Sahara desert and the cliffs of Todra Gorge before one team is eliminated. The eventual winning team gets $150,000 to split three ways, which I have to admit sounds a little cheap on the part of ABC.

Shotgun Red Variety Hour (9:30pm, RFD) - Don't forget to tune in for Garner's Gerald Goodwin!

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - In the Season 2 premiere of this Canadian police drama, a shooting at a concert rattles Andy and causes conflict with Det. Jo Rosati. Also, sparks fly between Rosati and her former partner, Luke.

Suits (10pm, USA) - In the premiere of a new legal drama, successful lawyer Harvey Specter hires a brilliant college dropout as a new associate at a top law firm, despite the fact that the associate doesn't have a law degree. Both men must conceal that fact from their coworkers in order to work together. Here's our review.

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - A strange new sitcom about a depressed young man (Elijah Wood) who befriends his neighbor's dog, Wilfred. Wilfred looks like a dog to everyone else, but to Wood's character, he's a gruff Australian man in a dog suit. It's funny and crude. Check out our review.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - In the second season premiere of Louis C.K.'s sharp semi-autobiographical comedy series, Louie's sister shows up unexpectedly with some unexpected news.

Kings of Pastry (2am, UNC-TV) - The 24th season of the Point of View documentary series premieres with the Chris Hegedus-D.A. Pennebaker film about the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France pastry competition in Lyons. It will also air Friday night at 11pm on UNC-MX.

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