This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Glee Project (11 p.m. Oxygen) is arguably a better show than "Glee" itself.

That's sort of damning with faint praise. But "The Glee Project" has some of that uplifting, positive feel that "Glee" had when it started but seems to have lost along the way.

Yes, it's a reality competition show. A group of young people are vying for a seven-episode guest spot on Season 4 of "Glee." And, yes, people are eliminated and leave in tears.

But it's a much more supportive atmosphere than most reality competition shows.

It's also inclusive like nothing else on TV. The contestants this season include a girl in a wheelchair, a boy who's blind, a girl who's Muslim, and a transgendered person.

"The Glee Project" has two major flaws. One is that "Glee" executive producer Ryan Murphy makes the final decision of who stays and who goes, and he's terrifically smug for a guy whose show has declined so sharply in terms of quality.

The other is that the kids from Season 1 who ended up on "Glee" didn't get much to do. And some of them were so annoying on "The Glee Project" it was hard not to be annoyed by their characters on "Glee."

Ah, well. It's a summer show. And it's watchable enough.

Elsewhere on TV ...

America's Got Talent (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): Auditions continue in Austin, Texas.

Hell's Kitchen (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13) and MasterChef (8 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13): The cooking competition continues.

The Catalina (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30): This week's episode is titled "Bikinis and Break-Ups." Really.

Rizzoli & Isles (7 and 9 p.m. TNT): In the third-season premiere, Maura's biological father is shot.

Concert for the Queen: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Performers include Elton John, Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Annie Lennox, Kylie Minogue, Stevie Wonder, will.i.am and Jessie J.

Love In the Wild (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): A second season of this goofy dating/outdoor adventure series begins.

Franklin & Bash (8 and 10 p.m., TNT): In the second-season premiere, Peter meets a gorgeous police officer.

Pretty Little Liars (9 p.m., ABC Family): In the third-season premiere, the girls try to return to normal life.

Jane by Design (10 p.m., ABC Family): In the second-season premiere, Jane faces new pressures at work.

Deadliest Catch (10 p.m., Discovery): It's time for the Opilio crab season.