Nick & Jessica Variety Hour

Following their 2003 MTV series Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, young married couple Nick Lachey (formerly of boy band 98 Degrees) and singer-actress Jessica Simpson starred in a lively television special, The Nick and Jessica Variety Hour. A sketch-driven show somewhat reminiscent of Sonny and Cher's old primetime music and comedy series, Nick and Jessica is strong on guest stars and mutual teasing between the attractive hosts. Highlights include Simpson's funny duet with Jewel, in which the former mimics the game singer-songwriter's stylized vocal on "Who Will Save Your Soul." (Lachey's duet with Kit the talking car from the 1980s Knight Rider show is a little less appealing--comically so.) Simpson also shines in a great bit in which she revisits, rather obnoxiously, her Mousketeer days with little Britney, Christina, and Justin, while Kermit and Miss Piggy turn up for a go at "Don't Go Breaking My Heart." --Tom Keogh