ABC's 'Modern Family' is a Wednesday TV pick

'Modern Family'

One of last fall's new comedies continues to delight week after week (the "Undeck the Halls" Christmas episode was hysterical). The ensemble (featuring a wonderfully understated Ed O'Neill and a goofy/endearing Ty Burrell), is hitting on all cylinders. Executive producers Steve Levitan ("Just Shoot Me") and Christopher Lloyd ("Frasier") have crafted a great, relatable series that skewers and celebrates the hassles of modern family life. New episode at 9 tonight, ABC (seattletimes.com/tvlistings).

Doug Knoop, Seattle Times staff

Also on today

"Blow Out" (1981), 7:05 p.m. (IFC): A sound man re-creates a political murder-by-car-crash with a sight-and-sound montage.

"Aladdin" (1992), 8 p.m. (ABC Family): Disney's version of a tale about an Arabian thief who finds a magic lamp and tries to win a princess's heart. Animated.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m. (NBC): Detectives Benson and Stabler search for a man who is knowingly spreading HIV.

"Cougar Town," 9:30 p.m. (ABC): Jules and Ellie try to get an appointment with the meanest dermatologist (Lisa Kudrow) in town; Travis gets a job working for Barb.

"Nip/Tuck," 10 p.m. (FX): When Sean and Christian win an award from their alma mater, Sean recalls their college years.

The New York Times

'Idol Confessions'

The Seattle Times' "American Idol" blog is back in business in time for Tuesday's season premiere. Paula Abdul's out, Ellen DeGeneres is in, and the blog will have some new contributors: www.seattletimes.com/idolblog