“Pilot” – Inspired by James Cameron’s hit action/comedy film of the same name, TRUE LIES follows Harry Tasker (Steve Howey), a first-class international spy for U.S. intelligence agency Omega Sector, and his wife, Helen (Ginger Gonzaga), a language professor bored with her daily routine, who makes the shocking discovery that her seemingly ordinary husband is leading an extraordinary double life. With the secret out, Omega recruits Helen, who impresses everyone with her formidable skills (thanks to Tae Bo and yoga), and she joins Harry and his team of top-notch operatives, embarking on covert missions around the globe and an exhilarating life of danger and adventure – all while keeping their adventures a secret from their children. The renewed bond between them adds much-needed sizzle to the Taskers’ emotionally distant marriage and upends the top-secret world of Omega Sector. But, as Harry says, if you’re going to save the world, you might as well do it for the ones you love, on the series premiere of TRUE LIES, Wednesday, March 1 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available on the CBS app and streaming on Paramount+. Series also stars Omar Miller, Mike O’Gorman, Annabella Didion and Lucas Jaye. Beverly D’Angelo guest stars as Omega Sector Director Trilby. Pictured (L-R): Steve Howey as Harry Tasker and Ginger Gonzaga as Helen Tasker. Photo: Alan Markfield/CBS ©2021 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Best-bets for March 1: spy fun, reality ordeals

1) “True Lies” debut, 10 p.m., CBS. Back in 1994, this was a fun James Cameron film, with Jamie Lee Curtis unaware her husband (Arnold Schwarzenegger) was a master spy. In this modern update (shown here), that won’t do; the wife (Ginger Gonzaga) learns quickly about her husband (Steve Howey) … then trains to work with him. This gets a silly at times; criminals seem awfully easy to defeat. Still it offers a rare TV blend — action and glamour, spiced with humor. Read more…

1) “True Lies” debut, 10 p.m., CBS. Back in 1994, this was a fun James Cameron film, with Jamie Lee Curtis unaware her husband (Arnold Schwarzenegger) was a master spy. In this modern update (shown here), that won’t do; the wife (Ginger Gonzaga) learns quickly about her husband (Steve Howey) … then trains to work with him. This gets a silly at times; criminals seem awfully easy to defeat. Still it offers a rare TV blend — action and glamour, spiced with humor.

2) “Survivor” opener,” 8-10 p.m., CBS. In a big night for CBS, “True Lies” is preceded by the start of the 44th “Survivor.” The contestants richly varied in image (Donny Massa, 32, is a muscular firefighter; Jaime Lynn Ruiz, 35, is a yogi) and in geography: Yam Yam Arocho, 36, is a giddy salon-owner in Puerto Rico; Kane Fritzler, 25, is a law student from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where the temperature has hit minus-54 Fahrenheit.

3) “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” finale, 9:01 p.m., Fox. This brutal show has already seen 12 of its 16 celebrities leave, for medical (back and neck injuries, concussion, dehydration) or personal reasons, or a combination. The others have been “captured” and face interrogation techniques. Hannah Brown of “Bachelorette” is with three athletes – soccer’s Carli Lloyd, basketball’s Dwight Howard and Danny Amendola, who caught 21 passes in three Super Bowls.

4) “Abbott Elementary,” 9 p.m., ABC. Last week, Gregory (fresh from a break-up) and Janine (barely dating) had a kiss, then went into denial. They’re still there now, as the school gets a mural project. It’s a funny episode, despite centering on Jacob, the one so-so character in a terrific show.

5) ALSO: “The Mandalorian” has already won 14 Emmys and was nominated for 25 more, including best drama series. Now it starts its third season on Disney+. Also, Turner Classic Movies starts “31 Days of Oscar,” filled with winners and nominees. Today’s line-up peaks at 10 p.m. ET with “The African Queen” (1951), No. 65 on the American Film Institute’s all-time list.
— Mike Hughes, TV America

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