Has nice trumped vice on ‘THS’?

Scant weeks into a new administration and knee deep in a bad economy, has the pop culture entered a new phase? If “True Hollywood Story” (8 p.m., E!) is any guide, the answer may be yes.

Best known for gossipy and salacious takes on celebrities who have been overexposed in every possible way, “THS” appears to be on a “nice” spree, celebrating famous faces with nary a scandal to their bold-faced names.

Gee-whiz, who needs suicide, overdoses, sex tapes, ugly divorces, failed facelifts, fake physiques and philandering when nice, hardworking young talent will do? Back in December, “THS” showcased the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron and Taylor Swift, fresh-faced kids just too darn busy to mess up their lives. Yet.

And tonight it’s Mario Lopez, the ubiquitous “Miss America” host who has dazzled fans on “Dancing with the Stars,” appeared on a Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line” and scored a coveted interview with candidate Barack Obama as the handsome new face of “Extra.”

As friends and family have it, he has been multitasking since he could crawl. His devoted and devout Mexican-American parents kept him overscheduled to keep him off the streets and out of trouble. Dance recitals, drum lessons and wrestling gave way to acting and a resume that kicks off at age 10 with a stint on the short-lived 1984 Norman Lear Latin-stereotype sitcom “AKA Pablo.”

“THS” glides over rumors of womanizing and the curious case of his 10-day marriage to longtime girlfriend Ali Landry. Lopez is interviewed with a crucifix in plain sight. If it’s beefcake and dimples you’re after, “THS” has it. Look for plenty of clips of the “Kids Incorporated” star trailing crowds of squealing girls.

Speaking of squealing girls, the one discordant note in this wholesome love fest is the presence of “Girls Gone Wild” producer Joe Francis as a close friend of the “Saved By the Bell” star. Now there’s a whiff of “THS” of old.

• Old-school fans of Bond, James Bond can spend a whole weekend being shaken and stirred. Encore kicks off a three-day Bond marathon with “Dr. No” (6 p.m., Encore), the very first 007 adventure from 1962. Classics “From Russia With Love” (7:50 p.m.); “Goldfinger” (9:50 p.m.) and “Thunderball” (11:45 p.m.) follow in chronological order. “Diamonds are Forever” (7:15 p.m. Saturday), but this marathon lasts only until Sunday. But “You Only Live Twice” (9:15 p.m. Sunday), so you can probably catch it again.

• Friday night is the new Saturday night. At least it is on Fox, where two episodes of “Cops” (7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) are followed by John Walsh and “America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m.). These longtime Saturday-night staples will be pre-empted tomorrow night for NASCAR coverage.

Tonight’s other highlights

• A domineering mother clutches from beyond the grave on “Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m., CBS).

• A rooftop sniper’s target strikes close to the squad on “Flashpoint” (8 p.m., CBS).

• Smash gives it the old college try on “Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m., NBC).

• A bully from Adrian’s youth returns on “Monk” (8 p.m., USA).

• Expensive sneakers spark an international incident on “Numb3rs” (9 p.m., CBS).

• Rebels seize control of the ship on “Battlestar Galactica” (9 p.m., Sci Fi).