Lawrence.com

There's not much Nashville left on the old Nashville Network. TNN has renamed itself The National Network and dedicated its programming to something called "Pop." The network's country twang has been replaced by "hipper" fare like "Fame for 15," an examination of media stardom. Apparently, advertisers prefer TNN's slicker image and its revamped identity as MTV's country cousin.

But TNN hasn't shed all of its old skin yet. Viewers searching for something that doesn't look like it was churned out in a New York or Hollywood studio can still turn to professional bull riding. Tonight's "Professional Bull Riding World Championship" (9 p.m., TNN) is a perfect time for first-time viewers to catch up with this amazing spectacle.

Bull riding is an extremely dangerous and exciting sport. It's also an instantly addictive form of television. The average "ride" seems to last about two seconds. A cowboy who stays on a big, bothered, bucking bull for five to eight seconds is a real champ and can win thousands of dollars. Look for the rodeo clowns who rescue every rider after he's been jettisoned.

Tonight's action features 45 of the world's best bull riders competing for a $1.75 million purse. For the very first time, riders will wear wireless microphones. TNN also has rigged something called a "Bullcam," providing an unprecedented "bull's-eye view" of the proceedings.

TNN will kick off its five-night coverage of the World Championships with a one-hour "PBR" highlight special (8 p.m.) featuring the music of the Charlie Daniels Band, Billy Ray Cyrus, Montgomery Gentry, Deryl Dodd and Jack Ingram. This music is available on a soundtrack CD "Dancin' With Thunder" from Epic Nashville Records.

Tonight's other highlights

� Ross can't believe that Rachel is still dating other men on "Friends" (7 p.m., NBC).

� Confronting a peculiar urban legend on "CSI" (8 p.m., CBS).

� Looking for a hidden nuclear device in a New Jersey back yard on "The Agency" (9 p.m., CBS).

� Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) bickers with Abby on her first day back on "ER" (9 p.m., NBC).

Series notes

� All are new ... Elimination on "Survivor: Africa" (7 p.m., CBS) ... Drew Carey hosts back-to-back episodes of "Whose Line is it Anyway?" (7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., ABC) ... Wrestling on "WWF Smackdown" (7 p.m., UPN) ... About 330 hopefuls remain on "Popstars" (7 p.m., WB).

Smitten with a former cheerleader on "Inside Schwartz" (7:30 p.m., NBC) ... The action takes place in Aspen, Colo., on "Elimidate Deluxe" (7:30 p.m., WB).

Jack's boss (Parker Posey) pines for Will on "Will & Grace" (8 p.m., NBC) ... An evil demon (Robert Englund) terrorizes Phoebe on "Charmed" (8 p.m., WB) ... Nina can't express her grief on "Just Shoot Me" (8:30 p.m., NBC).

Late night

� "Incorrect," "Conan" and "Kilborn" are new ... Farrah Fawcett, Tina Fey and Garbage appear on "Late Show With David Letterman" (10:35 p.m.) ... Jay Leno hosts Michael Douglas, Jessica Alba and P.O.D. on "The Tonight Show" (10:35 p.m., NBC).

Bill Maher hosts Malcolm McDowell on "Politically Incorrect" (11:30 p.m., ABC).