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What to Watch on Wednesday: Food truck hysteria on 'Happy Endings'

America's Next Top Model: British Invasion (9pm, CW) - The 18th season begins with seven American models competing against seven British hopefuls who were previously featured on "Britain's Next Top Model."

Criminal Minds (9pm, CBS) - The team investigates when prostitutes are murdered in Atlanta and their probe reveals the killer isn't working alone.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - Dave's "Steak Me Home Tonight" food truck becomes the trendy hot spot in town thanks to its new liquor license, but Dave (Zachary Knighton) is upset because his friends have stopped coming around. He thinks they are jealous of his newfound fame, but it's really because his signature drink induces erotic dreams in which he's the star. Colin Hanks (left, with Knighton) appears as himself.

Revenge (10pm, ABC) - In the wake of the engagement party murder, Emily gets nervous while the Graysons band together. Also, Amanda's disappearance causes much speculation.

Face Off (10pm, Syfy) - The artists must modify an ordinary occupation into a character worthy of a Tim Burton movie, and three contestants face elimination. Guest judge is Catherine O'Hara. Meanwhile, "Beetlejuice" is airing at the same time on Encore.

Top Chef: Texas (10pm, Bravo) - A winner is named in the season finale.

What to Watch on Wednesday: 'Top Chef' hosts Pee-wee's Big Dinner Party

One Tree Hill (8pm, CW) - A new cafe in town gives Haley unexpected competition. Also, Chase's new girlfriend has a puzzling secret.

NC State at Boston College (8pm, WRAL) - The only CBS programming you'll miss because of this is a special about Super Bowl commercials and a repeat of "Criminal Minds." If you really want to see those, you know the drill.

Ghost Hunters (9pm, Syfy) - Jason and Grant investigate a Tennessee bed and breakfast, where there are reports of shadowy figures and images of a little girl.

Top Chef: Texas (10pm, Bravo) - The chefs make pancakes for Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens with Padma Lakshmi at right) and later hit the streets of San Antonio on bikes to gather ingredients for Pee-wee's big dinner party.

Royal Pains (10pm, USA) - Dr. Van Dyke fills in for Hank while he's sideline with back problems. Elsewhere, Divya and Jill come to the aid of a thief who robbed them, and Jack starts a clinical trial that yields disappointing results.

Hot in Cleveland (10pm, TV Land) - Victoria's enemy Susan Lucci comes looking for support after the cancellation of "All My Children," but Victoria warns her friends that the soap star is not to be trusted. Also, Elka (SAG Award winner Betty White) talks hoops with Baron Davis of the Cleveland Caveliers.

What to Watch on Wednesday: 'Idol' returns, Harry Connick Jr joins 'L&O:SVU'

American Idol (8pm, Fox) - Season 11 opens with auditions in Savannha, Georgia. Auditions will go on for quite awhile, with episodes airing on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Nova: 3D Spies of WWII (9pm, UNC-TV) - A WWII Allied initiative to locate Nazi rocket bases is recalled. The program brought together experts from British universities and Hollywood to study 3-D stereoscopic photos of German territory that had been shot specially by Spitfires.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - Penny decides to stop adapting her lifestyle to the guys she dates and elects to change them to be more like her. Her first attempt is with a thirty-something slacker who still acts like a teenager. Also, Max and Alex try to get Dave to stop wearing v-neck t-shirts.

Law & Order: SVU (10pm, NBC) - A private military contractor CEO is sexually assaulted following a run-in with protesters, and as the case is investigated, links are made to a conspiracy in Iraq. Harry Connick Jr. (right) begins a guest arc playing Executive ADA David Haden, who is also Olivia's boyfriend.

Inside Nature's Giants (10pm, UNC-TV) - The first installment of a new four-part PBS series looks at the sperm whale. That's right, the show dissects -- as in, performs an autopsy on -- a 45-foot sperm whale. Future episodes will study the monster python, the great white shark, and big cats.

Revenge (10pm, ABC) - Daniel proposes to Emily and Nolan convinces Emily not to act hastily. Meanwhile, Charlotte is upset when she learns she must return to living under Victoria's roof.

Top Chef: Texas (10pm, Bravo) - The chefs create a gothic dish fit for a queen, but the plate must embody the essence of evil. Whatever that means. Guest judge is Charlize Theron.

What to Watch on Wednesday: 'American Horror Story' season finale

A Home for the Holidays with Martina McBride (8pm, CBS) - Martina McBride hosts this 13th annual event to raise awareness about adoption. Musical performances by McBride, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, and others.

The X-Factor (8pm, Fox) - The remaining acts perform in part one of the two-part season finale.

Work of Art (9pm, Bravo) - Season 2 ends with the final artists at work on a full solo exhibition, then presenting their collections at a grand gala opening. The episode ends with the naming of the winner. Kymia Nawabi of Durham is one of the finalists in the competition. (If the competition was for nicest artist, she'd win in a landslide.)

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - In tonight's season finale, Constance, one of the few actual living humans left in this series, schemes to raise Tate's demon baby as her own. Jessica Lange (right) was nominated last week for both SAG and Golden Globe awards for her portrayal of Constance. Excited to see how long it takes dense Ben (Dylan McDermott) to figure out what kind of hell he's dealing with -- and if North Carolina's Lost Colony and the Croatoan mystery get another shout-out this week.

Top Chef: Texas (10pm, Bravo) - The chefs concoct quick-fire dishes based on fans' Twitter instructions. Then the chefs honor their culinary teachers by creating a tribute meal. Singer Patti LaBelle is the guest judge.

Hot in Cleveland (10pm, TV Land) - The ladies treat their neighbors to makeovers, while Elka adjusts to dating a younger man (John Mahoney).

The Exes (10pm, TV Land) - Haskell's online girlfriend pays a surprise visit, but she's also in for a shock because Haskell has been using Phil's picture as his own.

What to Watch on Wednesday: Steve Jobs profile and more 'American Horror'

Up All Night (8pm, NBC) - Reagan tries to improve her relationship with her parents (Blythe Danner and Richard Schiff) in order to set an example for Amy. Elsewhere, Ava examines her interactions with the staff following one member's death.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - Gloria persuades Jay to commit to a night of salsa dancing after seeing how much his friend Shorty (Chazz Palminteri) and his girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly) do together. Meanwhile, Cameron makes a bet that he can get a woman's phone number at a bar, and Phil builds a tree house for Luke.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - Brad sneaks off on a secret staycation at a plush hotel in the city in order to dodge a visit from Jane's sorority sister. Also, Max and Dave shoot a commercial for a lunch truck. Brent Musburger and Fred Savage (who directed the episode) have cameos as themselves.

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - In the conclusion to last week's two-part Halloween story arc, Tate (Evan Peters, pictured, with Jessica Lange and Frances Conroy) comes face to face with his ugly past. Yes, we finally learn his backstory. And it's good. Also, Ben and Vivien are haunted by a freshly ghosted houseguest.

Steve Jobs: One Last Thing (10pm, UNC-TV) - A profile of Apple cofounder Steve Jobs includes an archival interview with Jobs in which he discusses his career and the principles that led to his success. Also, colleagues offer thoughts on his talents and achievements.

Psych (10pm, USA) - Shawn and Gus try to identify the masked vigilante the Mantis, who is trying to take down a drug ring that the police department is also targeting.

Top Chef: Texas (10pm, Bravo) - Season 9 opens with 29 chefs invading Texas to prove their culinary worth, but nearly half of them are eliminated in the first episode.

Everything isn't fully cooked at "Rocco's Dinner Party"

I've not been paying close attention to chef Rocco DiSpirito, so despite the fact that he's been a reality show regular, I'm not sick of him.

That's important when you're watching "Rocco's Dinner Party" (Bravo, 11 tonight; moves to 10 next week) because, just like in the title, Rocco is front and center.

Surrounding him is a show that's kind of like a mini-"Top Chef"; 3 chefs compete to cook a dinner for Rocco and his friends. One is eliminated quickly after a Quick Fire-like challenge. The other two go head to head, preparing a meal for a themed party. (The first theme is speakeasy.) The winner gets $20,000.
 

What to Watch on Wednesday: Big food finale and debuts

So You Think You Can Dance (8pm, Fox) - The Top 20 dancers perform. Our SYTYCD correspondent Lenni G will start recapping for us tomorrow, so check back here the day after shows air for that.

Top Chef Masters (10pm, Bravo) - In the Season 3 finale, the chefs must prepare a four course feast based on inspiration and self-reflection. They must also recreate a past dish that resulted in their worst culinary review, then serve it to the critics who originally panned them. Los Angeles chef Mary Sue Milliken (left, with host Curtis Stone) is one of the finalists.

Men of a Certain Age (10pm, TNT) - Owen stops up to the plate to oversee the dealership's softball team, and Joe's father (Robert Loggia) pays a visit, with his new girlfriend.

Hollywood Treasure (10pm, Syfy) - Actress Debbie Reynolds wants to put her collection of props and costumes up for bid, and an item that may have come from "2001: A Space Odyssey" is examined. The 10:30 episode features props from "Batman REturns," "Camelot," "Star Trek," and "The Patriot."

Hot in Cleveland (10pm, TV Land) - The second part of the second season resumes with the women hunting for fugitive Elka in Amish country, where Victoria grows uncharacteristically comfortable. Amy Sedaris has a brief guest role as the wife of the Ohio governor.

Happily Divorced (10:30, TV Land) - In the pilot of a new sitcom based on actual events in Fran Drescher's life, a couple faces the end of their 18-year marriage when the husband reveals he's gay, but due to financial difficulties, they must continue to live together. Here's our review.

Rocco's Dinner Party (11pm, Bravo) - After the 'Top Chef Masters' finale, a new show in which promising chefs square off by crafting themed dinner parties for chef Rocco DiSpirito and his celebrity friends. Tonight, a Prohibition-era theme. Rocco's guests include chef Marcus Samuelsson, actor Bryan Batt, actress Christina Ebersole, TV personality Kelly Choi, and critic Bill McCuddy. Our review.

"Platinum Hit": Well, maybe more like gold

Mash together elements of "Project Runway" and "Top Chef" and you get Bravo's latest reality competition show "Platinum Hit (10 tonight)."

This time the contestants want to be songwriters, well, kinda. Like one of the guest judges, Jermaine Dupri, they already seem sick of toiling in the background and are ready for center stage.

That's why you get one guy who proclaiming himself 'a musical genius,' and another who says "I sing for the widow, I sing for the orphan." For real.

What to Watch on Wednesday: Time to get your 'Happy Endings'

American Idol (8pm, Fox) - Scotty, James, Lauren, and Haley perform the tunes of the influential 1950s songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. They wrote songs that became hits for Elvis Presley, The Coasters, The Drifters, and Ben E. King. Kudos to 'Idol' for recognizing their significant contribution to rock and roll, but really? Also, Lady Gaga is the guest mentor (apparently Doris Day was busy).

Better With You (8:30pm, ABC) - In the Season 1 finale, Mia goes into labor and suddenly decides she and Casey should be married when the baby is born. Cue scramble.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - Phil and Claire reverse their respective "good cop, bad cop" roles and throw the kids for a loop. Also, Cameron comes down with the flu and Mitchell's plans to attend a Lady Gaga concert are threatened.

Happy Endings (10pm, ABC) - Two back-to-back new episodes again this week. This show is really funny and I won't stop harping on it till you watch. I already let your complacency cost me "Perfect Couples." In the first episode, Dave and Alex must decide what to do about the his-and-her tattoos they got when they were a couple. In the second episode, Penny dates a teacher Dave admires and discovers he's not as wonderful as everyone thinks.

Top Chef Masters (10pm, Bravo) - The cooks must become judges and appraise the quick fire work of their fellow chefs. Later they cook for the rock band Maroon 5.

Law & Order: SVU (10pm, NBC) - A woman discovers an unknown naked teenage boy asleep in her bedroom and the boy's overprotective mother (Rita Wilson) defends her son's devious actions. When police investigate, they are reminded of how misleading appearances can be.

What to Watch on Wednesday: ABC goes for 'Happy Endings'

American Idol (8pm, Fox) - The eight remaining finalists perform a song from the movies. What do we think Scotty McCreery should sing? Check it out and see if you agree.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - A new sitcom about the complications that arise among a group of friends after a seemingly perfect couple in the group breaks up in a really ugly, public way. Do you take sides? Does the group survive? In tonight's pilot, which has some legitimately funny moments, Alex (Elisha Cuthbert, '24') leaves fiance Dave (Zachary Knighton, 'FlashForward') at the altar for a bare-chested guy on rollerblades. When the friends find the jilted groom at home surrounded by couples' wedding gifts, making gin smoothies, crying, and singing along to "Closer to Fine," I laughed out loud. I also enjoyed the various meltdowns at Penny's birthday party (Casey Wilson, 'Saturday Night Live'). Rounding out the eclectic sitcom cast is the requisite gay friend (Adam Pally), who "looks like Paul Rudd if Paul Rudd gave up" (according to his friend Jane), and an interracial married couple played by Damon Wayans Jr. and Eliza Coupe. There's a second  episode at 10pm. It's not groundbreaking, but it has a welcome 'Samantha Who?' vibe and it's definitely worth checking out.

Gun Fight (9pm, HBO) - The television premiere of a documentary looking at gun violence in the United States, featuring a survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre. Read more here.

The Franchise (9:30pm, Showtime) - A special peek at Showtime's upcoming (in July) behind-the-scenes documentary series featuring the reigning baseball champions, the San Francisco Giants. Here's more info and a video preview.

Breaking In (9:30pm, Fox) - Most everyone seems to like Christian Slater's latest TV project except for me. So I'm just telling you it's out there, not necessarily recommending it. Alyssa Milano guest stars tonight as a dentist intrigued by Cameron's line of work.

Justified (10pm, FX) - Uh-oh. Mags is "settling accounts" in the wake of Coover's death (at least Coover can be reunited with his murdered pet badger now).  Meanwhile, Winona is initiating divorce proceedings and Raylan is thinking about the future as well.

Top Chef Masters (10pm, Bravo) - R&B artist Kellis appraises a meat-themed Quickfire challenge, and Christina Hendricks (Joan from 'Mad Men') and her husband, actor Geoffrey Arend (ABC's 'Body of Proof'), put the chefs through a groovy 1960s challenge.

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