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Now Thursday is what we’re talking about. Long heralded as the dominate night of television, Thursdays continue to deliver.

Here’s what to watch. Asterisks indicate a new show.

8:00 PM

What to watch: “My Name is Earl” (NBC). Some people get a little turned off by the white trashness portrayed in this show, but it’s surprisingly clever and just about always entertaining. Jamie Pressly has her trailer park persona perfected and Ethan Suplee (Randy) never disappoints. “Earl” can be a little slow and hokey at times, but by the end of last season it was really coming into its own.

Blacklisted: “Survivor: China” (CBS). If you’re still into “Survivor”, you’re a loser. Plain and simple. Feel free to still be into Green Day as well.

Also blacklisted: “Ugly Betty” (ABC). We know absolutely nothing about “Ugly Betty”, but it is blacklisted out of principal. Seems like it promotes inner beauty and we just can’t get our heads around that concept.

8:30 PM

What to watch: “30 Rock” (NBC). An acquired taste. We admit it. We think that primarily has to do with Tina Fey being both the lead and genuinely funny. That combo makes us uncomfortable and takes a little time to get used to.

There is no denying that Alec Baldwin dominates “30 Rock”. That’s reason enough alone to watch. Also, the show is following in “Arrested Development’s” footsteps by winning Best Comedy despite getting crappy ratings since it’s too smart for the masses. “30 Rock” is an obscurist snob’s dream.

9:00 PM

What to watch: “The Office” (NBC). Hands down the best show on television. We wake up on Thursday with morning wood just thinking about that night’s episode. Each character is tremendous and the show’s subtle nuances make it about twice as clever as any other comedy on TV. If you don’t watch “The Office” it’s a you problem.

What’s defensible: “CSI” (CBS). We get the appeal of “CSI”. And everyone who watches tells us the original is hands down the best. “CSI” is defensible only for Dual Tivo Action purposes while watching the “The Office”.

Blacklisted: “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC). If you watch “Grey’s” over anything else in this time slot it’s either because a chick makes you or you have interior design aspirations. Slightly defensible watching a Tivo’d version of “Grey’s” later in the week, but watching this show in real time is enough to warrant testicle removal.

10:00 PM

What to watch: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”** (FX). If you’re down to keep the comedy going at 10, definitely check out “Philadelphia”. Last year we figured no one watched and there was no way FX would sack up and bring it back for a second season, but apparently it’s developed enough of a cult following. Really funny and clever. You won’t be disappointed.

What’s defensible: “ER” (NBC), “Without a Trace” (CBS), and “Big Shots”** (ABC). Pretty much everything else in this time slot is defensible, although “Big Shots” has potential to suck out loud.

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