Paul Reiser returns to series TV this week

April 13, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Paul Reiser returns to series TV this week (Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on NBC) in “The Paul Reiser Show,” in which he plays himself (a stay-at-home dad whose most recent series has been off TV for several years). Here are five things you need to know about the “Mad About You” (and “My Two Dads”) star:

• Childhood: Born in Manhattan, he graduated from the elite Stuyvesant High School.

• College: While attending Binghamton University, he founded an on-campus community-theater group.

• Big break: His big film break was 1982’s “Diner” — he reprised his character in a failed 1983 pilot based on the movie that also starred James Spader.

• Books: He has written two bestsellers: “Couplehood” (1994), about the ups and downs of being in a committed relationship, and “Babyhood” (1997), about his experiences as a first-time father.

• Children: He has two sons, Ezra Samuel, 15, and Leon, 10.

“The Franchise: A SEASON WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS” (9:30 p.m., Showtime): Speaking of sports, pitcher Tim Lincecum and his teammates take center stage in a special 30-minute preview of “The Franchise: A Season With the San Francisco Giants.” It’s an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the World Series champs as they attempt to defend their title.

“Happy Endings” (9:31 p.m., ABC): Who gets “custody” of the friends when a couple breaks up? That’s the thorny question posed in “Happy Endings,” a new sitcom that starts off with a bride leaving her groom at the altar.