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"24 Hour Catwalk" is the little sister "Project Runway" deserves

Since the folks behind "Project Runway" invented the perfect fashion reality show, others have tried to find a way to duplicate it. Rather than reinvent, they've mostly tried variations of the theme, but either the elements weren't quite right or the hosts weren't quite right.

"24 Hour Catwalk" (10 tonight, Lifetime) doesn't try to reinvent either, but the creators have figured out what works on "PR," and what do you know, they've come up a show that feels like the funkier, quirkier little sister of "PR." Kinda like Beyonce and Solange.

"Catwalk" moves faster and has less at stake ($10,000 -- not bad for a day's work); four designers compete but two are eliminated after a first cut challenge. (Think "Top Chef's" quick fire challenge.) Then the two remaining designers get a sewing team and have a day to come up with six looks based on a particular theme for a final fashion show.

Brit hipster Alexa Chung hosts; judges are designer Cynthia Rowley, author/fashion editor Derek Blasberg and publicist James LaForce. It's pretty clear Blasberg will be the show's Michael Kors, the quick wit with the memorable phrases.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Project Runway All Stars' debuts

The Vampire Diaries (8pm, CW) - Klaus threatens violence unless Stefan returns the coffins containing his family members, but Elena tries to strike a deal with him.

Project Runway All Stars (9pm, Lifetime) - Thirteen fan-favorite designers from past seasons return to compete for new prizes. Supermodel Angela Lindvall hosts and Joanna Cole serves as the mentor. Some of the designers returning are Austin Scarlett, Mondo Guerra, and Kenley Collins. Sounds good, but we're just not sure we can love a "Project Runway" without Tim Gunn.

Grey's Anatomy (9pm, ABC) - As the human wreckage from a serious car crash preoccupies the doctors, Teddy (who is unaware that Henry has died) calls on Cristina to help with a patient.

Louder Than a Bomb (9pm, OWN) - A documentary directed by Jon Siskel profiles four high school poetry teams in Chicago as they gear up to compete in an important youth poetry slam.

24 Hour Catwalk (10pm, Lifetime) - A new series in which four fashion designers attempt to create a collection and stage a runway show in just 24 hours. Note: Tonight's episode is considered a "sneak preview" of the series, which officially premieres on January 10.

Jersey Shore (10pm, MTV) - In the Season 5 premiere, the cast returns to Seaside Heights, N.J., and it doesn't take long for old tensions to flare.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Great Pumpkin' and 'Runway' finale

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (8pm, ABC) - In this 1966 classic, the Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween with Linus hoping he'll be visited by The Great Pumpkin.

Community (8pm, NBC) - Britta fears someone in the group is a sociopath after her anonymous personality test turns up with unsettling results. In order to find out who's disturbed, she and Jeff persuade the gang to tell horror stories.

Parks and Recreation (8:30pm, NBC) - Andy and April host a Halloween party at their house and Tom emcees an event for Leslie's campaign.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - In the Season 9 finale, the final designers frantically ready their collections in a bid to be the best at Fashion Week. Designer L'Wren Scott is the guest judge.

The Secret Circle (9pm, CW) - Cassie throws a Halloween party, but it takes a dangerous turn when some uninvited guests who have their sights set on the circle show up.

Prime Suspect (10pm, NBC) - As Jane investigates the murder of a young woman whose body was found in the park, Duffy and Evrard search for the stepfather of the murder victim.

The Mentalist (10pm, CBS) - A police chief is murdered in a resort town, and the case leads Lisbon to reunite with her brother, a bounty hunter who's searching for a bail-jumper.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Big Bang' in enemy territory

The Vampire Diaries (8pm, CW) - A high school prank night turns deadly when uninvited guests arrive. Meanwhile, Damon tries to get Jeremy to use his ghostly connection to help defeat Klaus, who is tightening his grip on Stefan and using him for increasingly dangerous purposes.

Big Bang Theory (8pm, CBS) - Leonard and Sheldon attend a party at the home of Sheldon's nemesis, Wil Wheaton, who appears in a cameo along with Brent Spiner.

Parks & Recreation (8:30pm, NBC) - Ron takes his boys-only troop of Pawnee Rangers into the wild, prompting Leslie to take her group of Pawnee Goddesses on a weekend adventure.

The Office (9pm, NBC) - Andy tries to impress Robert California by throwing a garden party at the Schrute Farms. Andy's parents (Stephen Collins and Dee Wallace) and brother (Josh Groban) attend, which makes Andy feel awkward.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers must create a small collection that demonstrates their overall fashion vision. Actress Zoe Saldana is the guest judge.

Grey's Anatomy (9pm, ABC) - Jackson's mother (Debbie Allen) plays a renowned surgeon who arrives at Seattle Grace to perform a groundbreaking transplant.

Prime Suspect (10pm, NBC) - Jane suspects the wife in a stockbroker's murder, turns to hypnotism to help her quit smoking. Also, Matt is upset that his ex-wife doesn't want Jane at their son's birthday party.

*NOTE: Due to baseball, last night's "X-Factor" will air tonight, and tonight's "X-Factor" will air on Sunday. Or something like that. Just consider the Fox schedule in flux until the World Series ends and take anything you see here about Fox with a grain of salt.

What to Watch on Thursday: Conclusion of George Harrison documentary

Parks & Recreation (8:30pm, NBC) - Leslie's book about Pawnee comes out just in time for her campaign, and Ann tries to bond with Ron and April.

George Harrison: Living in the Material World (9pm, HBO) - The conclusion of Martin Scorsese's expansive profile of George Harrison explores the breakup of the Beatles, his burgeoning solo career, the concert for Bangladesh, his association with Monty Python, the Traveling Wilburys, and his death from cancer. Listen to Scorsese tell why he made the film on Harrison.

The Office (9pm, NBC) - The warehouse employees all win the lottery and quit, prompting the office workers to dream about living lives of luxury while searching for new warehouse staff.

Person of Interest (9pm, CBS) - Reese joins a gang of thieves to infiltrate a crime ring.

Grey's Anatomy (9pm, ABC) - A stampede at a comic book convention leads to an array of colorful characters in the ER.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers create fashions inspired by exotic birds. Fashion figure Francisco Costa is the guest judge.

Prime Suspect (10pm, NBC) - Jane's father's bar is robbed while she's helping out there, and Jane gives the female cop (Elizabeth Rodriguez) investigating the robbery the cold shoulder. Also, Calderon and Jane are assigned to the murder of a woman found in a dumpster.

What to Watch on Thursday: Man down on 'Private Practice'

How to Be a Gentleman (8:30pm, CBS) - A new odd-couple sitcom about a friendship between an etiquette columnist and a macho trainer. Tonight, Andrew is told to put a contemporary twist on his column, so he hires a bad boy from his past to be his life coach. Adrienne has watched it and gives her opinion.

Parks & Recreation (8:30pm, NBC) - Ron's first ex-wife, Tammy One (Patricia Clarkson), reenters his life and tries to control his every move. Meanwhile, Ann makes a PSA with help from Chris. Megan Mullaly also guest stars (Tammy Two).

Person of Interest (9pm, CBS) - Finch and Reese are puzzled when the machine turns up a deceased person of interest. Also, Finch reflects on the machine's origin.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - Fashions from the 1970s inspire the creations of the remaining designers.

Private Practice (10pm, ABC) - Pete has a heart attack in the Season 5 premiere. While Sam, Cooper, Charlotte and Amelia try to save him, Violet is nowhere to be found. Also, Addison seeks out Jake (Benjamin Bratt) because she wants a baby.

Prime Suspect (10pm, NBC) - Duffy isn't happy with Jane's participation in his homicide-kidnapping case. In other events, Jane meets Matt's son for the first time.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (10pm, FX) - Frank finds himself in the child beauty pageant business and fears that people might think that he's in it for the wrong reasons.

What to Watch on Thursday: New stuff from CW and FX

Vampire Diaries (8pm, CW) - The third season begins with Elena and Damon searching for Stefan, who is with Klaus tracking a werewolf. Meanwhile, Caroline plans a party for Elena's 18th birthday, and Jeremy sees the ghosts of his late sister and his former girlfriend.

The Secret Circle (9pm, CW) - In this series premiere, teen Cassie Blake (Britt Robertson) moves to a new town, where she learns she is a witch and meets a circle of friends who inform her they are also witches. Adrienne's thoughts on this one, which is from New Bern native Kevin Williamson ("Vampire Diaries").

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The contestants are introduced to nine men on the runway, and then discover they must design for the men's significant others. Actress Malin Akerman is the guest judge.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (10pm, FX) - In the Season 7 premiere, Frank wants to marry a prostitute and the gang can't talk him out of it. While Dee tries to burnish the  hooker's heart of gold, Charlie tries distracting Frank by fixing him up with another woman. Also, Mac has put on a lot of weight.

Archer (10:30pm, FX) - Tonight is part one of a three part episode episode arc leading up to the show's official third series launch in early 2012. Tonight, Archer, in hiding since the murder of his fiancee, is finally tracked down in the South Pacific by handsome adventurer Rip Riley. To get Archer safely back to ISIS, Riley will have to survive the elements, a plane crash, a shark attack, starvation, drowning, exposure, and possibly pirates. And of course, Archer.

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: Nick News talks to kids about 9/11

Nick News with Linda Ellerbee: The Story of September 11, 2001 (9pm, Nickelodeon) - Kids too young to remember the attacks of September 11 discuss their questions about the event with journalist Linda Ellerbee.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The seamsters union join forces with art students to create artwork that will inspire clothing designs. Designer Kenneth Cole is the guest judge.

Sweet Home Alabama (9pm, CMT) - Devin chooses between the last two suitors in the first season finale.

Ultimate Merger (9pm, TV One) - A military obstacle course must be tackled to win a date with Toccara.

Suits (10pm, USA) - Harvey's former mentor (Gary Cole) turns to his protege when his office comes under investigation. Meanwhile, Mike and Louis try to settle a mogul's estate in the midst of family clashes, and Jenny worries that Mike is hiding something.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie's distraught sister drops off her daughter at Grand Central Station and then gets back on the train that brought them to New York. Comedians Godfrey, Todd Barry, and Nick DiPaolo appear as themselves.

The Green Room with Paul Provenza (11pm, Showtime) - Season 2 ends with comedians Eddie Izzard, Jimmy Carr, Judah Friedlander, Chris Hardwick, and Tim Minchin.

What to Watch on Thursday: Discovery looks at rebuilding at Ground Zero

NFL Exhibition: Panthers vs. Bengals (7pm, WTVD) - This exhibition game, which features the Carolina Panthers at the Cincinnati Bengals, preempts the season finale of ABC's "Expedition Impossible." WTVD will re-air that finale at 2 a.m. Thursday night/Friday morning. Set your DVR!

Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero (8pm, Discovery) - A three-hour documentary series chronicling the construction of a 16-acre complext at the site of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City. All three parts air tonight from 8 to 11 p.m. Here's more information and some clips from the series, including a time lapse video of construction progress.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers work a challenge with a track-and-field theme. They must create garments inspired by sneakers and sportswear and also participate in a race. Someone goes down. Hard. Model Erin Wasson is a guest judge.

Suits (10pm, USA) - Mike questions the firing of an executive, whom Harvey dismissed at the request of a client.

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Ryan finally begins to suspect that his friendship with Wilfred might  not be in his best interests. Then he meets a guy (played by Dwight Yoakam) who confirms that suspicion.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie has an adventure in Afghanistan.

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