His Thursday must-watch (10/6)

What we have right here is a situation. Tonight is a pretty big night. We've got Tigers/Yankees Game 5 on TBS to see who will move on to the ALCS against Texas. We've got the 2nd episode of How to be a Gentlemen, which I actually thought was pretty funny last week. There's the 2nd night of Bootcamp on The X Factor. I have Her challenge to deal with - Grey's Anatomy. This could be a long night!

What better to end it though than with a solid episode of Jersey Shore (10/9c on MTV). Honestly, I haven't been as religious about watching this show this year. The Italy thing through me off a little bit. I prefer this crew in their native surroundings of Seaside, but apparently they are doing quite a number overseas.

Seriously, could these people be more of a train wreck? How many times can Snooki learn she hooked up with Vinny? This has to be at least the 10th time. Just get it over with and be together already. Poor Jionni is stuck as collateral damage. What guy in his right mind would date one of these girls? Listen, you can't date anyone with a nickname that includes "WOW" in it. Also, after the returns we have seen on the Ron/Sam relationship we know she is out. Deena is a disaster and Snooki is Snooki. I mean the title for last week's episode is "Three men and a Snooki". Just terrible.

On the flip side, I'm the one who is watching. So maybe that's worse.

His Wednesday must-watch

I can't believe that my must-watch pick for the night is a show I swore I would never watch when I first heard it was coming state-side. After years of putting up with American Idol, I thought I was done with singing competitions, but there's something about Paula and Simon that just keeps me coming back for more.

That's right, my must-watch for tonight is The X Factor (8/7c Wed & Thurs on FOX). A show that has made millions around the globe is coming to the USA. It's basically Idol on steroids. Contestants auditioning not just for the judges, but for a live audience (yikes!), a "bootcamp" that promises to blow Idol's "Hollywood Week" out of the water, some quality time with the judges and finally the live show. Plus, we've added L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger (Paula, circa 1991) to the mix.

If this goes over well, I could be signing myself up for 3 months of overly emotional, completely pointless yet totally riveting competition. If it tanks, there's always a chance Paula goes crazy when she realizes she's washed up sitting next to Nicole. I'm game.