Dr. Phil exorcises ‘Race’ relations

Just one night after Valentine’s Day, “A Dr. Phil Primetime Special: Romance Rescue” (8 p.m., CBS) invites troubled couple Jonathan and Victoria from the just-completed “Amazing Race” to discuss their relationship.

As everyone who watched that reality series knows, Jonathan continually browbeat Victoria, screaming and shrieking in her face. His behavior crossed a line in Berlin when he shoved her in a hostile manner

Like many viewers, I thought that his act constituted physical violence and, at that moment, both Jonathan and “Race” had left the arena of entertainment. I stopped watching the show or writing about it.

Despite many protests in the press and from outraged viewers, Jonathan and Victoria were kept on “Race” until they were eliminated in the show’s closing weeks. Jonathan has been quoted in tabloids as saying his obnoxious behavior was merely an attention-getting stunt.

Jonathan has apparently received enough attention to sit next to Dr. Phil during a sweeps special. The lesson? If you beat your wife, or “pretend” to beat your wife, you’ll get to extend your 15 minutes of infamy.

  • Presidential son Ron Reagan kicks off his TV talk show “Coast-to-Coast” (11 a.m., CNN) with Monica Crowley. The show, which repeats at 4 p.m., promises to keep the talk “smart, respectful and engaging.”

Tonight’s other highlights

  • Hollywood auditions on “American Idol” (7 p.m., Fox).
  • Luke’s silent treatment drives Lorelai bonkers on “Gilmore Girls” (7 p.m., WB).
  • A minor is accused of a major crime on “Judging Amy” (9 p.m., CBS).
  • A teen streetwalker meets a tragic end on “Law & Order: SVU” (9 p.m., NBC).
  • Medavoy calls it a day on “NYPD Blue” (9 p.m., ABC).
  • “On a Roll: Disability and the American Dream” on “Independent Lens” (10 p.m., KCPT) profiles disability activist Greg Smith.

Late night

Keanu Reeves appears on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts John Travolta, Christina Ricci and Blind Boys of Alabama on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC) … Ludacris appears on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:05 p.m., ABC).