A&E stoops in Growing Up Gotti’
Gottis and golf, under the lights. Strange night.
“Growing Up Gotti,” premiering at 9:30 on A&E, may be the most bizarre example of reality TV yet.
Here the spotlight shines on the late John Gotti’s daughter, Victoria Gotti, seen going about her well-funded single life with her three sons.
What’s her claim to fame, exactly? Oh, yeah, she’s the late ‘Dapper Don’s‘ daughter.
It’s a desperate attempt to cross “The Osbournes” with “The Sopranos.” Remember when A&E offered mostly classy stuff? Sigh.
At 5 on ABC, it’s the latest of Tiger Woods’ summer golf showdowns, as the floodlights splash over a course in California where he and Hank Kuehne take on Phil Mickelson and John Daly. Given the players, this best-ball match looks to be all about whose drive is the longest, if you know what we mean.
Highlights
“Still Standing,” CBS at 8: Lauren’s boyfriend’s family is religious. Repeat.
“North Shore,” Fox at 8: Christopher McDonald can be hilarious, slimy or hilariously slimy. Let’s see which he is tonight in a guest shot as Nicole’s father.
“Fear Factor,” NBC at 8: At least the Gotti show means that tonight’s NBC lineup isn’t the worst reality-TV spectacle on. For once. “Fear Factor” is a repeat, followed by new episodes of “For Love or Money” and “Who Wants to Marry My Dad?”
Maybe they can introduce Dad to Ms. Gotti in a crossover episode.
“Yes, Dear,” CBS at 8:30: Repeat of the seriously unfunny episode in which Tim Conway, as Greg’s dad, gets into a fight with former California Gov. Gray Davis, as himself, at a Los Angeles Lakers game.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 9: Repeat. Deb decides to go golfing with Ray, thinking that this will improve their relationship. Uh-huh.
“The Casino,” Fox at 9: Guests tonight include a team of card-counters and Sheena Easton. But the big issue is the guy with the million-dollar marker.
“History Detectives,” KSPS at 9: Artifacts investigated include a possible Revolutionary War cannon.
“Two and a Half Men,” CBS at 9:30: What is Jake exposed to by living at Charlie’s house? Mom is concerned. Repeat.
“CSI: Miami,” CBS at 10: A hurricane leaves behind a few bodies and a lot of trace evidence. Repeat.
Family Fare
“7th Heaven,” WB at 8: Matt’s visit stirs things up. Repeat.
“Summerland,” WB at 9: Ava and Johnny enjoy each other’s company while supervising a movie outing. Repeat from last week.
Cable Cast
Baseball, ESPN at 4: Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
“What a Girl Wants” (2003), HBO at 8: Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) heads to England to track down her long-lost father (Colin Firth).
“Road to Perdition” (2002), HBO at 9:45: Tom Hanks as a hit man? But under Sam Mendes’ direction, it works.
He’s a father, too, and that’s what gives the kick to this sometimes-brutal Depression-era drama with Paul Newman and an unhinged Jude Law.