Back to 'Chef' reality

After all the drama and importance of watching the presidential campaign play out on TV in recent months, I felt like it might be a long, long time before I could ever get hooked on a reality TV series again.

But now comes the season premiere of Top Chef, and I love it. Everybody in Baltimore has by now seen at least five stories or items about Jill Snyder, executive chef of Red Maple and one of 17 contestants this season. I will give away nothing about how she fares in tonight's episode. But I will say she comes across in a most appealing and engaging way. Compared to all the hot dogs, wannabes and look-at-me's, Snyder seems downright modest.

Less than 15 minutes in, I was hooked. (10 p.m., Bravo) *** ( 3 STARS)

HAIL TO THE QUEEN Attention all Anglophiles: PBS launches a fascinating backstage look at Windsor Palace tonight with Monarchy: the Royal Family at Work. Of course, it is all queen worship, but the access is great, and details of life behind the scenes in this world are a delight. (8 p.m. MPT-Channels 22 and 67) *** 1/2 ( 3 1/2 STARS)

LATE-NIGHT GUESTS Comic Russell Brand visits The Late Show with David Letterman. Actor Steve Carell appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

online Read more from David Zurawik at baltimoresun.com/zontv