11PM-12:30AM AMERICAN PIMP (Sundance Channel, TV-R) Is it really true what they say -- that pimpin' ain't easy? This Hughes brothers documentary sheds a little light on the subject.
8-9PM STAR SEARCH (CBS, TV-G) The original Star Search was a breeding ground for superstars, launching the careers of folks like Dennis Miller, Kevin James, Ray Romano, Martin Lawrence, Rosie O'Donnell, Justin Timberlake, LeAnn Rimes, Christina Aguilera, Alanis Morissette, and Britney Spears. On the other hand, it also gave us Sinbad. So we have mixed feelings about this new incarnation hosted by Arsenio Hall (above). While we're stoked for more junior singers, where's the acting category? We demand our amateur emoting!
THURSDAY January 9
5:30-7PM WHEN WE WERE KINGS (Sundance Channel, TV-PG) Leave work early. Set your VCR. TiVo the sucker. I don't care what it takes -- if you have not yet caught this stellar docu on the Muhammad Ali-George Foreman ''Rumble in the Jungle,'' now, my friend, is the time.
SERIES DEBUT
9-10PM THE SURREAL LIFE (The WB) Here's what Vince Neil told me about the booze situation inside the house (see page 34): ''None of the guys drink. I've done it my way all my life, and I'm not gonna not drink just because the guys don't drink. I'm not in rehab!'' Rehab? Now there's a good idea for a reality show!
10-11PM HOLLYWOOD REAL ESTATE (Travel Channel, TV-G) See mansions you'll only be able to afford in your dreams (if you dream about that stuff).
GAMBLE ON THIS SHOW 9-10PM VEGAS: VIP HOMES (Travel Channel, TV-PG) Only in Vegas could a cardiologist, a drag queen, and an ex-lieutenant governor of Nevada all vie for best (as in glitziest) house in the hood. Other highlights: A walk through The Real World deluxe Palms suite reveals that brushed glass encourages voyeurism. And then there's Teller torturer and Vegas resident Penn Jillette (above), who says, ''You'd never want to come in, but once you got in, you would never want to leave.'' He's talking about his house...we think. A- -- Caroline Kepnes
FRIDAY January 10
SEASON PREMIERE
8-9PM FARSCAPE (Sci Fi, TV-14-V) Executive producer David Kemper has a message to Farscape fans who have been mourning the demise of their favorite sci-fi drama: ''Just go ahead and watch the show. And stop bellyaching and enjoy it, because the last 11 episodes are the best 11 episodes we've ever done.'' Having watched tonight's premiere, I can say this: It is pretty damn good.
8-9:30PM YOU WISH! (Disney Channel, TV-Y7) A 16-year-old makes a wish, goes to sleep, and then wakes up rich, popular, and talented. Even better, his annoying little brother is gone. At least he thought that would be better.
SERIES DEBUT
8-9PM MISTER STERLING (NBC, TV-PG) When I heard about a midseason replacement show starring Josh Brolin as a rookie goody-two-shoes senator, I thought to myself, Hmmm, what can I do to make sure I avoid this at all costs? But I gotta say, it's not half bad. Yes, it's a little too Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, but there's a nice twist to it as well. Here's to pleasant surprises.
