This new reality show really twists the truth

You know reality TV has come of age when it produces a truly inspired satire. “The Joe Schmo Show” (8 p.m., Spike) sends up every cliche and character associated with the genre. And, like every reality show, “Schmo” has a killer twist: It isn’t a reality show at all. But one contestant doesn’t know that.

Matthew Kennedy Smith, a law-school dropout and part-time pizza delivery guy who lives with his parents in Pittsburgh, jumped at the chance to appear on the reality show “Lap of Luxury.” As he later told his video diary camera, “I’ve got nothing better to do.” But Matthew doesn’t know that all of his fellow contestants and “Lap’s” smarmy host are actors whose sole job is to react to Matt’s every move.

Tonight’s other highlights

  • Jess and Dean break into a brawl on “Gilmore Girls” (7 p.m., WB).
  • Spunky Australian veterinarian Katrina Warren attends to the needs of ferrets, dogs, cats and other critters dwelling in one of America’s more posh ZIP codes on “Beverly Hills Vet” (7 p.m., Animal Planet).
  • Ryan’s new job and paycheck offer him some independence on “The O.C.” (8 p.m., Fox).
  • Demetrius faces a mandatory drug test on “Playmakers” (8 p.m., ESPN).
  • James makes his choice as “Boy Meets Boy” (8 p.m., Bravo) wraps up.
  • A murder investigation uncovers a researcher’s links to human cloning on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC).