“Survivor: Micronesia —Fans vs. Favorites”
Thursday 8pm, CBS
The surprisingly resilient reality competition shakes things up again for its 16th season, bringing in 10 new famewhores and bringing back 10 previous competitors. Given how poorly the previous “all-stars” edition was received, it’s probably a smart move for CBS and the newbies. But you have to wonder what the veterans were thinking when they signed on. Almost every one of them has a target on his or her back already, and their strategies and tactics are totally exposed. Especially at risk are “Panama”’s Cirie, who flew under the radar to her season’s Final 4; “Cook Island”’s Ozzy, a nigh undefeatable challenge monster; and the odious Jonny Fairplay from “Pearl Islands,” who faked his own grandmother’s death to get ahead the first time. But so long as the awesome Yau-Man from “Fiji” is on board, I’ll be watching.
“Lipstick Jungle”
Thursday 10pm, NBC
The second “Sex and the City” clone of the 2007-08 season finally premieres, almost a month after ABC launched “Cashmere Mafia.” But “Lipstick” is totally different: It isn’t a show about four smart, strong and sexy career women who lean on each other to get through love and life. It’s a show about three smart, strong and sexy career women who lean on each other to get through love and life. Apologies to Lucy Liu, but “Lipstick” has a better cast. Brooke Shields was kind of destined for this role, and Kim Raver (“24”) and Lindsay Price (“Beverly Hills 90210”) fit the power bitch mold much better than Miranda Otto or Bonnie Sommerville. I think I saw Lorraine Bracco in a preview, and Brat Pack-er Andrew McCarthy is involved, too. Candace Bushnell: resurrecting the careers of Mannequin alums since 1998.
“50th Annual Grammy Awards”
Sunday 8pm, CBS
So many questions for this year’s Grammys. Will the show still go on despite the writers’ strike? (Looks like it.) Can Amy Winehouse pull her shit together enough to show up and collect the boatload of trophies she deserves for “Rehab”? (Let’s hope so.) How the hell did Bon Jovi get nominated for the shiteous “(You Want To) Make a Memory”? (Because it’s the lame-ass Grammys.) Will Kanye West throw a temper tantrum like the wittle baby he is if he doesn’t win? (Almost certainly, and it will be spectacular.) Look for performances by Carrie Underwood (go, Cunderwood!), the Foo Fighters (my cardio mix thanks you for “The Pretender”) and Beyonce (aren’t we done with her yet?).
