In a single evening, NBC goes from one extreme to the other. NBC has flat-out the best comedy series of the new season in "Friends" and flat-out one of the worst in "Madman of the People." Each premieres tonight in a lineup that, despite "Madman," promises to be the network's strongest of the week.

Joining [Short] in this epic talent pool are regulars Jan Hooks and Short's fellow "SCTV" alumnus, Andrea Martin. In fact, Tuesday's episode was a sort of "SCTV" reunion, initially featuring a moderately funny reprise of an old "SCTV" quiz show spoof, "Half-Wits." Former "SCTV" star Eugene Levy repeated his quiz-master role while also directing the episode.

* "Friends" premieres at 8:30 and "Madman of the People" at 9:30 tonight on NBC (Channels 4, 36 and 39). "The Martin Short Show" airs Tuesdays at 8:30 on NBC.