It's Thursday, which means TV options are plentiful. Television critic Mike Hughes can help you narrow down the list.

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"ER." 9 p.m., NBC.

It was back on Sept. 19, 1994, that we met Dr. John Carter.

As played by Noah Wyle, only 23, he was so inexperienced that he needed help doing an injection. He was our conduit into what would be -- for a while -- a great series.

Now he's back, as the show nears the April 2 ending of its 15th and final season.

Carter showed up last week and now tries to settle into work at his old hospital. Still, the technology and processes are new; he is, again, confused.

Meanwhile, Banfield and her husband try adoption. Also, Sam's mom (Amy Madigan) arrives, behaving oddly.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox.

Here's the second results night -- transplanted to Thursdays because of a presidential address earlier in the week.

On Wednesday, a dozen people sang and viewers voted. Tonight, three -- top male, top female, next-highest vote-getter -- will move to the final 12; others still have a shot at being added by the judges.

OF NOTE

• "Kung Fu Panda: Search For the Furious Five," 7 p.m., NBC. Don't you hate it when someone tricks you into teaching a martial arts class to baby bunnies? That happens to Po (Jack Black) in this cartoon special, based on the movie.

• "Ugly Betty," 7 p.m., ABC. Betty has distractions, including attention from Matt the sports writer and news posted by Henry. Still, there's more to worry about: She gets a surprise when viewing the magazine's financial records.

• "Newbos: The Rise of the New Black Overclass," 8 p.m., CNBC. Amid the grim economic news, here's something upbeat -- an increasing number of super-rich blacks. This documentary views people who made their money in cable (BET founder Bob Johnson), sports (LeBron James, Torii Hunter, Terrell Owens) and music (Sean Combs, Wyclef Jean, Kirk Franklin and Cash Money Records founders Bryan and Ronald Williams),

• "30 Rock," 8:31 p.m., NBC. Jack is thinking about getting more serious with Elisa (Salma Hayek). Meanwhile, Tracy's comment on "Larry King Live" stirs a commotion.