New on the tube; Imagine that - a good premiere

"Imagine That" Airs: 7 tonight, NBC (Channel 41) Stars: Hank Azaria, Jayne Brook, Joshua Malina, Suzy Nakamura, Katey Segal, Julia Schultz A lot like: A lot of other shows Aaron says: Tape it. Azaria, whom you may recognize from "Tuesdays With Morrie" (or as the voice of Apu and Moe on "The Simpsons"), plays Josh, a writer for a TV comedy show who likes to daydream. Given that familiar-sounding premise, and the fact that "Imagine That" comes from the network that has already subjected us to "Emeril" and "Inside Schwartz," and the uninspiring, standard-issue sets used here (the office looks like it was borrowed from "Just Shoot Me"), not to mention a predictable cast of characters - wife, bizarro boss, jaded co-worker, sexy co-worker - let's just say I went into this one with low expectations. Surprisingly the sum is much better than the parts. Fueled by snappy writing and excellent casting (Brook, formerly of "Chicago Hope," and Malina, the nerdy guy on "Sports Night," mix well with Azaria), "Imagine That" is funny from the get-go. Also tonight, "A Cook's Tour," a reality series featuring chef and author Anthony Bourdain, makes its premiere at 9:30 tonight on Food Network. In Monday's FYI, I wrote that there doesn't "seem anything fake about Bourdain, which bodes well for this engaging series." To reach Aaron Barnhart, phone (816) 234-4790, or visit the TV Barn Web site at www.tvbarn.com. @ART CAPTION:Jayne Brook and Hank Azaria @ART CREDIT:NBC @ART:Photo (color)