Tonight's Hot List: Thursday, July 29, 2010

Jersey Shore
10/9c MTV
The Situation, Snooki and the rest of the "GTL" crew are back for a second season of TV's guiltiest pleasure. But this time, they're leaving the Jersey Shore behind and taking their fake tans and fist pumps down south to Miami, where more debauchery is sure to occur. Before long, the drama picks up where it left off, with former flames Ronnie and Sammi getting into a flight in a club after she accuses him of flirting with other girls. Doesn't sound like much has changed. — Karen Andzejewicz
Royal Pains
10/9c USA
Everyone's favorite Hamptonites will need plenty of painkillers on hand after big nights on the town. Jill and Divya take some time away to check out a bridal event in the city, but their trip takes an unexpected turn. Evan, meanwhile, puts Raj to the test by throwing Raj's bachelor party, which leaves everyone worse for the wear...especially the guy who Evan thinks he may have killed. — Brie Hearn
On the Road with Austin & Santino
10:30/9:30c Lifetime
They have style, they have flair, and now Austin Scarlett and Santino Rice have their own show. These clothing designers, made famous by their turn on "Project Runway" for both their skill with a needle and their personalities, are taking their talents on the road. They aim to bring some high fashion to the women of small-town America who are in need of an outfit for an upcoming special occasion. Their first project? An outfit for a cowgirl ball. No doubt these ladies will get their money's worth. — Rhoda Charles
30 for 30
7/8c ESPN
As the perfect lead-in — or jumping-off point — for four days of X Games coverage, "The Birth of Big Air" pays tribute to the high-flying career of BMX star Mat Hoffman, a shoo-in for inclusion on the Mount Rushmore of action sports. By the age of 13, Hoffmann was a natural in the half-pipe and showed a combination of talent, creativity and fearlessness that put him ahead of his time in the highly-competitive two-wheel world. Swapping his bicycle for a motorbike only increased Hoffman's speed and hang time, as well as his hospital visits...occupational hazards co-producer Johnny Knoxville can certainly appreciate. — Roger Leister
X Games
8/7c ESPN
The 16th edition of this four-day action-sports staple gets underway in Los Angeles, with much of the action shifting from the suburban Home Depot Center and indoor Staples Center to the famed L.A. Coliseum. The move is a breath of fresh air for the "Big Air" events in skateboarding (tonight, Saturday) and BMX freestyle (Saturday), and creates a grander stage for tonight's motocross events, a festival of fumes referred to as "Moto X," in X-speak. Supercross racing (Super X), a concept hatched in the Coliseum in 1972, starts with a dramatic descent from the platform where Rafer Johnson stood before lighting the flame for the 1984 Games — that's Olympic, not X. — Roger Leister
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
9/8c CBS
Rascal Flatts are killer in concert and fans will attest that their onstage performances are electrifying. But in this country-themed repeat from March, their set is a bit too electric. That's because bass player Joe DeMarcus is electrocuted by his guitar while the trio play "Unstoppable" during a concert in Las Vegas. The primary suspects? Bandmates Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney. — Tim Holland
Project Runway
9/8c Lifetime
It's a return to the style tests and garb digs when the perfect-fitting competition series opens Season 8. It's sew biz when 17 new clothiers slip into New York City to begin their season-long odyssey to cash in on fashion, with actress Selma Blair slated to be the guest judge tonight. Iconic Runway figures Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia all return, yet Season 8 comes with a change: Each episode will burst at the seams with a new 90-minute running time. — Dean Maurer