TV Tips Jan. 19: American Idol, Hot In Cleveland, Retired At 35

Wed Jan. 19

 American Idol, 8 p.m., Fox

So here we are, Idol, you and I. We’ve been together a long time, been through a lot. The highs of Carrie Underwood and the lows of Taylor Hicks. My beloved Elliott Yamin and my hated Ace Young. I broke up with you for good last May, when not only did the guy who couldn’t carry a tune win, but I was actually rooting for him in  the end. I couldn’t live with myself after that. But then … then … you changed. You said you were going to, and then you did. You fired Kara. Ellen bowed out. Nigel came back. Rules were rewritten. I … I … I’m back, Idol. To check out Steven and Jennifer and Randy and Ryan and to see if you meant everything you said. Don’t break my heart again, Idol.

 Hot In Cleveland, 10 p.m., TVLand

Season 2 of this genuinely funny sitcom that stars three middle-aged women who relocate to Cleveland from L.A. because in Cleveland they are not over the hill. Yet. Of course Betty White often stole the show from Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendi Malick (and that’s really saying something) but she’s back too, bless her heart. In tonight’s opener, Elka is in jail for all those stolen goods, and her cellmate is … MARY TYLER MOORE.

 Retired at 35, 10:30 p.m., TVLand

The premise is a 35-year-old quits his job to find himself, moves back in with mom and dad, and hilarity ensues. Blah, blah, blah. The important part is that George Segal and Jessica Walter, two ridiculously talented comic actors, play mom and dad. I’m so happy to see them back on the air – and together – that I am willing to forgive the lame and obvious jokes that were featured in the promo.