Nights like these are why you need at least five VCRs. Or DVRs. Or Tivo.

• American Idol Season Premiere, 8pm, FOX: Does any other show have a chance against this perennial powerhouse?
• Scrubs, 9pm, NBC: Two episodes of this hysterical series air tonight, ensuring twice the fun.
• The Goonies, 8pm, AMC: Most likely people won’t be giving up hot series television for this flick, but we love the movie so much, we had to mention it.
• Gilmore Girls, 8pm, The WB: Luke’s ‘big announcement’ is scheduled for tonight. But maybe the episode will be good anyway.
• Law & Order: SVU, 10pm NBC: The best series of the franchise airs a new episode tonight, with Detectives Stabler and Benson showcasing their usual brilliance.
• The Shield is new tonight at 10pm, FX.

With House, M.D. on hiatus for a few weeks, juggling tonight’s Prime Cuts is a bit easier.

We recommend:

8pm: Watch Gilmore Girls, tape American Idol.
9pm: Watch Scrubs (normally, you’d need to tape House, M.D.)
10pm: Watch Law & Order: SVU, tape The Shield.

Tune in each day for our recommended Prime Cuts!