Round one of the comic semi-finals begins, with special appearances by celebrity judges Kathy Griffin, Garry Marshall and Tim Meadows. Top comedians perform their funniest routines, with each hoping to secure a spot as a final contestant.

Pepper and the WEIE news team are nominated for a handful of prestigious journalism awards, but as the entire newsroom is enjoying the glamorous event, Chicagos largest airport suffers a cripling crisis. When the breaking story draws attention from the awards telecast, Pepper, Charlie, Kathy, Kimmy and Chick work together to organize a last minute live newscast. Meanwhile, Kathy steps outside her comfort zone when she attends a sex toy party, but ends up in a neck brace after slipping on one of the toys.

The Rollo and the Maverick have off loaded their crab, a miscalculation sends a Captain into a frenzy. A race back to the crab grounds is underway to see who can bring home the crab.

During a night out, Franco and Tommy meet two women. Tommy is finding himself bribing his daughter Colleen before she tells their mother about his indulgent treatment of her sister Katy. Jerry visits his wife Jeannie in her expensive nursing home and soon goes to Lou for financial help. Meanwhile John Sr. insists on having his 83rd birthday at a restaurant that no one else likes.

Zach must decide if Crystal is the right girl for him; Svetlana goes home to be with her boyfriend, Martin, after hearing his father is terminally ill.

TONIGHT: Former Secretary of Education and author of America, Bill Bennett.

Tonight Stephen welcomes CNN's chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour.

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