“House”
Tuesday 9pm, Fox
Hometown hero Dave Matthews has landed another acting gig (adding to a resumé that includes 2005 kid-flick Because of Winn-Dixie), this time on the small-screen medical drama “House.” Matthews plays a piano prodigy who gained his miraculous ivory-tickling skillz after being hit by a bus. The downside: The accident also left him mentally handicapped. Even worse, his character starts having violent seizures, and correcting them may rob him of his amazing abilities (and his dad, played by Kurtwood Smith of “That ’70s Show” fame, isn’t too keen on that). For Dave fans not aware of “House,” know that it is often graphic, often disturbing, and always well-written and -acted. As an added bonus, the rumor mill has it that tonight we also learn that Dr. House (the superlative Hugh Laurie) is dying. Can’t confirm or deny that, but there you go.
“Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll”
Tuesday 9pm, CW
After watching the clip for this new reality competition, it occurred to me: This is as close as we’re likely to get to “America’s Next Top Stripper.” As pretty much everyone knows, the Pussycat Dolls are a former burlesque troop turned best-selling pop music act. Since apparently there aren’t enough Dolls (there are, like, 10) there’s a national search to find young women who can properly fill the 6" hooker heels and fishnet stockings; the winner gets an actual spot in the group. Applicants must sing (what’s the point? Only Nicole handles vocals), dance (basically strut and whip their hair around), and live together in a house so that they’ll get on each other’s nerves. Best part: One of the judges is Lil’ Kim, the diminutive rapper now free from jail and, presumably, looking for a few new bitches.
“The Wedding Bells”
Friday 9pm, Fox
David E. Kelley used to be synonymous with success. The lawyer-turned-writer counts “L.A. Law,” “Chicago Hope,” “Ally McBeal,” “Boston Public” and “Boston Legal” among his credits. But his last couple offerings have bombed (I think “Girls Club” lasted maybe three episodes) and he desperately needs a hit. I’m not sure this is it. “The Wedding Bells” tells the story of the Bell sisters (oh, David…), who inherit their parents’ wedding planning business/reception space after a messy divorce. Now the three girls (Teri Polo, best known from the Meet the Parents flicks, and two also-rans) have to deal with bridezillas and runaway brides and all of that while navigating their own love lives. If the delightful “Miss Match,” starring the equally delightful Alicia Silverstone, couldn’t make a similar premise work, I’m dubious about this show’s chances. Catch a guilt-free sneak peek after Wednesday’s “Idol.”