CBS has done well with simple series involving celebrities and real people such as “I Get That a Lot,” when stars mingle among the unwashed. A variation of that comes tonight in “Same Name” (CBS, 9 p.m.) in which celebrities trade places with people who happen to have their same name.
The first is David Hasselhoff, who switches lives with an electrical technician in Texas. The Hoff tries to not look disappointed at his new surroundings and its inadequate shower facility. The Texan is merely wowed by the immensity of the Hoff’s mansion, so big it’s “like Wal-Mart almost.”
Both are careful not to make too much fun of the other, and eventually they meet in a sentimental center – that family is most important – earning the show’s spot in the old timeslot for “Undercover Boss.”
The second case in the series “Zen” on “Masterpiece Mystery” (PBS, 9 p.m.) begins with a fall from a bridge, which Rufus Sewell’s stylish detective is sure is not an accident. The sexy drama takes him to the heights of British society and its secret clubs.
The jury on tonight’s “Marriage Ref” (NBC, 10 p.m.) includes Lauren Graham, Colin Quinn and Mary J. Blige, who on that very hour is also the subject of the new “Behind the Music: Mary J. Blige” (VH1, 10 p.m.).
Skyler is seeking to find just the right money laundering business on “Breaking Bad” (AMC, 10 p.m.). She chooses a car wash, perhaps taking the laundering term a little too literally.
It’s my favorite logline of the day: “Lafayette goes to Mexico with Jesus” on a new “True Blood” (HBO, 9 p.m.).
There are so many wedding-planning shows, it’s no wonder there’s finally one that allows people unhappy with their own ceremony to try it again. It’s called “I Do Over” (We, 10 p.m.).
A new episode of the “Idol” in church competition “Sunday Best” (BET, 9 p.m.) is paired nicely with the film “Preacher’s Kid” (BET, 5:30 p.m.).
Ina Garten is guest judge on this week’s “The Next Food Network Star” (Food, 9 p.m.).
With Rachel repeating as Head of Household again, it looks like a dull death march for the newbies on “Big Brother” (CBS, 8 p.m.) with new nominees for eviction due. And a long summer of watching the overexposed returning two couples dominate.
When it comes to the worst of two cases on “My Strange Addiction” (TLC, 10:30 p.m.), I’d say gas sniffing beats the teddy bear obsession.
An Irish bar in Philly gets a “Bar Rescue” (Spike, 10 p.m.).
“Good Luck Charlie” (Disney, 8:30 p.m.) receives its coveted episode-in-Hawaii.
The early 1950s cinematography of Russell Harlan is celebrated on Turner Classic Movies, with “The Thing,” whose actual name is “The Thing from Another World” (8 p.m.) followed by “Land of the Pharaohs” (9:45 p.m.).
Up early? The Tour de France (Versus, 8 a.m.) winds up today.
Sunday Talk
ABC: Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Sens. Trent Lott and Tom Daschle, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. CBS: White House Chief of staff Bill Daley, Sens. Dick Durbin, Mark Warner, Saxby Chambliss, Jon Kyl. NBC: Daley, Sen. Tom Coburn, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Newark Mayor Cory Booker. CNN: Geithner, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty. Fox News: Geithner, Rep. John Boehner,