Tonight in HD: July 3

Series Premiere: Kings Cross ER (TV3, 8.00)  Set in St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, this documentary series opens with a young man rushed to the Emergency Room after being stabbed in the heart at a nightclub in Potts Point. “This is what a hospital reality show should look like – interesting cases, clearly presented without sensationalism or emotional manipulation,” said the Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s a fine programme that will leave you in awe of the doctors and nurses who run the emergency department. Not just for their obvious knowledge, skill and calm under pressure but for the way they remain positive and enthusiastic in what at times seems a constant procession of life-and-death emergencies.” Said the Illawarra Mercury: “The show is the brainchild of John McAvoy and is co-produced and written by Claire Haywood, who were responsible for the excellent Kalgoorlie Cops. That show managed to show the world of country coppers in a way that was fascinating and sympathetic, while never feeling exploitative. The same sensibility is brought to Kings Cross ER, where we get an honest look at the goings-on in an emergency room but also see the patients treated with dignity. That’s distinct from other shows of this ilk, where patients’ situations are used as a source of comedy complete with crazy sound effects and jaunty music.” ✭✭✭✭

The Closer (TV One, 11.00, 5.1, F)  Captain Raydor approaches Major Crimes about looking into a possible case of spousal abuse. The fifth-season finale is highly recommended for Mary McDonnell’s return as Brenda’s arch nemesis in an encounter that fans will relish for its tense exchanges and twisting plot. McDonnell’s character will be seen in 17 more episodes over the next two seasons before landing her own series, Major Crimes, which premieres next month on US TV. The spin-off also will star The Closer’s Jonathan Del Arco (Dr Morales) and Phillip P Keene (Buzz Watson), and have as its first major guest star NCIS’ Michael Weatherly. ✭✭✭✭

MasterChef Australia (TV One, 4.45) George cooks Yabbies and Gary shares the secrets of bread-making. ✭✭

Home & Away (TV3, 5.30) Indi organises a modelling shoot; Dex confesses his undying love for April; Jett acts out after his mother’s funeral. ✭✭

Friends (TV2, 6.30, R) Chandler and Monica agree to give each other homemade presents for their six-month anniversary, but neither has anything prepared; Ross tries to teach martial arts to Rachel and Phoebe. ✭✭✭

Shortland Street (TV2, 7.00) Rachel receives a wake-up call; Daniel has a change of heart; a desperate Chris fights for his life. ✭✭✭

The Middle (TV2, 7.30, 5.1) Bad luck follows Brick after he finds a cursed four-leaf clover; Axl is horrified when his friend, Darrin, asks Sue to the prom. ✭✭✭✭

Highway Cops (TV One, 8.00) The prospect of a 10-kilometre walk provokes a teenage tantrum, while a high speed crash starts a bush fire. ✭✭✭

Suburgatory (TV2, 8.00, 5.1) As George and Eden’s relationship gets serious, he decides to introduce her to Tessa. Alicia Silverstone guest stars. ✭✭

Intrepid Journeys (TV One, 8.30, F) Former All Black Captain Buck Shelford struggles with a salsa instructor, visits the cigar capital of the world, and witnesses first-hand Fidel Castro’s influence in Cuba — all of which prompts him to reflect on his days travelling with the All Blacks: “Back then it was all flash suitcases and five-star hotels, this time around it’s a backpack and cheap local homestays.” ✭✭✭

The Mentalist (TV2, 8.30, 5.1) Now reinstated as a consultant for the CBI, Patrick Jane must work with a new team, headed by a no-nonsense supervising agent, to find who killed a popular personal trainer. ✭✭

NCIS (TV3, 8.30, 5.1) The NCIS team investigates a warehouse fire with the Baltimore PD after missing Navy documents are found at the site, and Tony reunites with a boy from his past. ✭✭

GCB (TV2, 9.30, 5.1) Pastor Tudor’s rivalry with Reverend Steve has Amanda taking charge of a church musical that was written by Heather in high school; Cricket and Carlene go to war in a sing-off. ✭✭✭

Hawaii Five-O (TV3, 9.30, 5.1) A deep-sea diver known for his valuable shipwreck discoveries is murdered. Patty Duke and Peter Fonda guest star. ✭✭