Thursday TV Preview

Tonight’s Thursday night TV, packed to the brim (on NBC) with new episodes for three glorious hours, is your chance to start giving Parks and Recreation a chance. Yeah, it started a little slow, and sure isn’t getting any love anywhere, but it’s got a Poehler-load of potential and it’s leaps and bounds funnier than other shows out there (plus, Rashida Jones is a BABE). So give P&R a whirl, and check out the full preview after the break.

Parks and Recreation 8:30/7:30c on NBC

Last week, Leslie embarked on a door-to-door campaign, hoping to build support for the park project, while Tom resorted to more questionable tactics. Tonight, Leslie invites a reporter to cover her park project, but the resulting article isn’t what she had in mind. Meanwhile, Tom sucks up to Ron.

The Office 8/7c & 9/8c on NBC

Last week, the bizarre bond between Dwight and Michael faced a great challenge when Dwight begun to regard bigwig Charles (Idris Elba) as his newest hero. Meanwhile, Andy came to Jim’s emotional rescue. Tonight, in his new endeavors, Michael faces mounting financial difficulties and problems with early-morning deliveries. Meanwhile, Angela plays enforcer as the staffers try to finish their expense reports on deadline.

30 Rock 9.30/8.30c on NBC

Last week, saddled with a suspension from work, a lost Liz missed all the "TGS" chaos and sought a way to bide her time. Meanwhile, film bigwigs mulled over pulling the plug on Jenna’s Janis Joplin movie, so Jack and Jenna tried (just a little bit harder) to stir up buzz. Tonight, Jack and Elisa (Salma Hayek) consider taking their romance to the next level, so Jack shops around for an engagement ring, with Liz in tow. Jack also seeks wisdom about the realities of marriage and consults a very unlikely person—Tracy. Meanwhile, a prank goes awry at "TGS," resulting in an injury and a gushing Jenna’s encounter with a sightly emergency responder.

Southland 10/9c on NBC

Last week, the mother of an abandoned baby girl found in a busy intersection was sought, and the case stirred up past issues for Lydia. Elsewhere, Bryant and Moretta placed a juvenile in a student police program in order to protect her. Tonight, Sherman opens up about his past, making it clear to Cooper why he joined the force. Meanwhile, Dewey (C. Thomas Howell) fawns over a famous actor (Tom Sizemore) in trouble with the law. And Chickie regrets taking Dewey on as a partner after he fails to keep track of the celeb criminal.

Late Show Round-Up

–Listed Below from Best to Worst–

Jimmy Fallon 1235/1135c NBC

Ali Larter, Mike Tyson & James Roback, Tinted Windows

Jimmy Kimmel 1205/1105c ABC

Channing Tatum, Elisha Cuthbert, Depeche Mode

Craig Ferguson 1235/1135c CBS

Teri Hatcher, Martina McBride

Leno 1135/1035c NBC

Jules Sylvester, Ryan Reynolds, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Letterman 1130/1030c CBS

Jamie Foxx, Lauren Conrad, The Dead

—no new Conan until June 1st —

Happy Viewings– Screenjunkies.com