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ABC asks, how 
deep is your 'Love'

Deep enough to survive network-induced infidelity?

   Has it been too many hours since your last dose of reality TV?
   Never fear, “The Ultimate Love Test” is here.
   Debuting tonight on ABC, “Love Test” offers committed couples the chance to test the strength of their relationships. One half of each couple is carted off to luxurious Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where they’re met by someone purportedly representing everything missing in their current partner.
   At stake: $100,000 and, of course, fidelity.
   If this all sounds hauntingly familiar, that’s because it is – you saw it several years ago on “Temptation Island.” But the reality genre has always been one of shameless copycatting, and if ABC can compel viewers to get hooked on yet another dating competition by sending only half of each couple to paradise, all the more power to them.



A look at this week’s top TV draws

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2

Time

Network

Program

Description

8 p.m.

PBS

“D-Day: Down to Earth---Return of the 507th” (N)

Commemorate D-Day with this retrospective look at the Army’s 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment

8 p.m.

E!

“Relatively Famous” (N)

Takes a look at the lesser-known, but often just as talented, siblings of major stars.

9 p.m.

ABC

“The Drew Carey Show” (C)

Season premiere. The ninth and final season kicks off with Drew and Oswald battling over a guy they both think would suit their respective moms.

9 p.m.

A&E

“Magic Touch of Harry Potter” (N)

Can’t wait two more days for the release of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?” Here’s a look at the making of the sure-to-be-a-hit film.

9 p.m.

History

“Ten Days to D-Day” (N)

Another D-Day special, this one documenting the climactic days leading up to the Normandy invasion.

10 p.m.

ABC

“Ultimate Love Test” (R)

Series premiere. “Temptation Island,” but only one half of each couple gets to hang out in paradise.

10 p.m.

Court TV

“Trace Evidence: From the Case Files of Dr. Henry Lee” (N)

Series premiere. Forensic scientist details oft-gory real-life cases. Not for the weak of stomach.

THURSDAY, JUNE 3

Time

Network

Program

Description

Check listings

Syndicated

“Live With Regis and Kelly” (T)

Featuring Tamyra Gray and Emma Watson. Get your “American Idol” and “Harry Potter” fix here.

7 p.m.

Spike TV

“52 Greatest Moments in NBA History” (S)

This is the big time—moments 10 to 1. Relive Gar Heard’s 1976 “Shot Heard Round the World.”

7:30 p.m.

TBS

“MLB Baseball: Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves” (S)

The Expos have had their turn. Now the Phillies take a shot at Atlanta.

8 p.m.

WB

“Pepsi Smash” (R)

Featuring Black Eyed Peas, Jessica Simpson. Hmm, sounds a lot like “Summer Music Mania.”

8 p.m.

Discovery Channel

“Unmasked: Treacher Collins Syndrome” (N)

Disturbing but fascinating look at people with this rare facial disorder.

8 p.m.

E!

“True Hollywood Story: Celebutantes” (N)

Delve into the poor, unfortunate lives of trust fund babies who will never have to work a day in their lives.

8 p.m.

ESPN2

“National Spelling Bee” (R)

It’s the championship round, baby. Watch kids correctly spell words you’ve never heard of.

8 p.m.

USA

“The Last Ride” (M)

Made-for-cable yarn starring Dennis Hopper as an ex-con with a serious chip on his shoulder.

8:30 p.m.

NBC

“Come to Papa” (C)

Series premiere. Great new sitcom or thinly disguised forum for Tom Papa to showcase his standup comedy routines?

9 p.m.

A&E

“Cold Case Files” (N)

The murder of an Atlanta police officer is solved. Too bad it took 23 years.

9 p.m.

Bravo

“Celebrity Poker Showdown” (R)

Watch celebrities (including James Woods and Mo Gaffney) play for money they don’t need.

10 p.m.

Discovery Channel

“Thomas L. Friedman Reporting” (N)

Pulitzer Prize winner Friedman gets up close and personal with Indians in Bangladore paid to pretend they’re American customer service reps.

10 p.m.

Spike TV

“MXC” (G)

It’s back with a hipper name, but at heart it’s still a laugh-so-hard-you-wet-your-pants Japanese competition of stupidity.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

Time

Network

Program

Description

Check listings

Syndicated

“Live With Regis and Kelly” (T)

The dynamic duo shoots the breeze with “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo. Are she and Fantasia really friends?

5 p.m.

ESPN2

“Acorn Stakes” (S)

Psych yourself up for tomorrow’s Belmont Stakes with this Grade I event at Belmont Park. Hosted by comedian Kenny Mayne.

8 p.m.

Discovery Channel

“American Casino” (R)

Series premiere. An hourlong infomercial for the Fertitta family’s Vegas casino. Tonight: will the staff sufficiently impress their homesick manager?

8 p.m.

TLC

“For Better or for Worse” (R)

Lifestyles of the outrageously eccentric: a Parisian-themed rooftop wedding complete with model Eiffel Towel. Sacre bleu!

9 p.m.

A&E

“In Concert: Aerosmith—You Gotta Move” (R)

The oldies but still goodies rock through their hits and provide viewers with a backstage tour.

10 p.m.

Discovery Channel

“American Hot Rod” (R)

On the pedestal tonight: a classic ’32 Hi-Boy roadster. Commence drooling.

10 p.m.

IFC

“Dinner for Five” (R)

Critically acclaimed series features casual dinner chats with Burt Reynolds, Charles Durning, Dom DeLuise and Charles Nelson Reilly.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Time

Network

Program

Description

9 a.m.

NBC

“French Open” (S)

Women’s final. At last year’s Belgian-fest Justine Henin-Hardenne smashed Kim Clijsters.

1 p.m.

NBC

“Women’s Gymnastics: U.S. Championships” (S)

Event finals and all-around preliminaries, taped June 3. The Olympics are so close they can taste ‘em.

1 p.m.

FX

“NASCAR Busch Series” (S)

Who knew Delaware was this exciting? MBNA America 200 gets underway at Dover International Speedway.

3 p.m.

CBS

“Senior PGA: Memorial Tournament” (S)

Third-round action at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Oh.

5:30 p.m.

NBC

“Belmont Stakes” (S)

Undefeated yet underestimated Smarty Jones vies for the first Triple Crown in 26 years.

8 p.m.

HBO

“Bruce Almighty” (M)

Jim Carrey is in his element as a regular Joe Schmoe given the powers of God. Mixed reviews but plenty of cheap laughs.

10 p.m.

AMC

“AMC Project” (R)

Bruce Lee wannabes travel to Hong Kong in the hopes of making it big.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

Time

Network

Program

Description

8 p.m.

CBS

“58th Annual Tony Awards” (A)

Hugh Jackman hosts the live (well, time delayed) broadcast from Radio City Music Hall. Tony Bennett and Mary J. Blige perform.

8 p.m.

ABC Family

“Love Rules!” (M)

Original film about a couple whose family will have nothing to do with their offbeat wedding plans. Is this what Marilu Henner has come to?

8 p.m.

Discovery Channel

“D-Day: Reflections of Courage” (N)

Yet another look at the events leading up to D-Day, this one with firsthand accounts from those who lived the drama.

9 p.m.

HBO

“The Sopranos” (D)

Season finale. Is Adriana really dead or have we been suckered?

10 p.m.

USA

“Dead Zone” (D)

Season premiere. When we last left Johnny he had encountered a villainous version of himself on the cover of a 2010 Newsweek.

A = awards show or special, C = comedy, D = drama, DD = daytime drama, G = game show, K = kids, M = movie, N = news/documentary, R = reality, S = sports, T = talk/variety show.


June 2, 2004 © 2004 Media Life


 


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