Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, September 15, 2010

There’s money to be had tonight. Not by watching…sorry. But if you can cook really well or manage to live all summer in a house that broadcasts your every move, then you’ve got a shot at walking away a little richer.  Just as the daddy of all reality shows – SURVIVOR – kicks off a new season tonight, many of our favorite summer reality shows are awarding the big prizes and shutting it down.

Don’t worry. If you’re not a fan of reality TV, there is plenty for you to watch tonight.  Here are a few highlights and suggestions…

Survivor: Nicaragua | 8pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Young at Heart”
The castaways learn they are being divided into tribes based on their ages; one castaway reveals a secret that could affect the whole tribe going into the first challenge.

Big Brother | 9pm on CBS | Season Finale
One of the final three houseguests — Enzo, Hayden, Lane — will be crowned the Big Brother champion tonight and awarded the $500,000 grand prize. But first Hayden and Lane will square off to determine which one will become the season’s final Head of Household.

America’s Next Top Model | 8pm on The CW
“Diane von Furstenberg”
The models receive a visit from actress Demi Lovato and discuss teen bullying; fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg serves as a guest judge.

Hellcats | 9pm on The CW
“I Say a Little Prayer”
Marti is shocked to find Wanda in the audience at qualifiers; Savannah’s sister, and captain of a rival team, falls and is seriously injured; Dan grows interested in Savannah.

Outlaw | 10pm on NBC | Series Premiere
“Pilot”
A legal drama about Justice Cyrus Garza (Jimmy Smits), who quits his Supreme Court post and returns to private practice, crisscrossing the country with his legal team to handle controversial cases. First up: Garza tries to free a condemned client in a most difficult case that tests his will and determination. Jesse Bradford and Carly Pope also star. [GMMR: Want a little more? First Look: OUTLAW from NBC]

Top Chef | 10pm on Bravo | Season Finale
“Finale Part II”
Piping-hot pressure marks the conclusion of the Season 7 finale. The final three chefs try to seal the deal with an expert meal, after which the season’s winner is revealed. The victor earns $125,000.

Terriers | 10pm on FX
“Dog and Pony”
Desperate for quick cash, Hank and Britt set out to capture escaped convict Mongo for a big chunk of reward money. [GMMR: I caught the season premiere this week and I really dug it. If you haven’t given it a look, check it out tonight. Let me know what you think.]

Also playing…

• Masterchef | 8pm on Fox | Season Finale: After enduring pressure tests and grueling challenges, the remaining chefs compete for $250,000 and a cookbook-publishing deal.

• Ghosthunters | 9pm on Syfy: The team investigates the Colonial Inn which housed wounded and dying soldiers during the revolutionary war.

• Dark Blue | 10pm on TNT: The team continues to infiltrate the drug-smuggling ring in order to corner a terrorist; Alex is offered a promotion in Miami; Ty continues to struggle with his divorce.

Speak to me. What will YOU be watching?  Any shows you’ll be watching that didn’t make the spotlight?