For those who aren’t in the spy game, the term “burn notice” may not ring a bell.

Its definition: “An official statement by one intelligence agency to other agencies, domestic or foreign, that an individual or group is unreliable.”

Just think of it as a combination of getting the boot and getting blacklisted. And it all happens to secret agent Michael Westen, hero of USA’s lighthearted action drama, “Burn Notice”.

No longer the freewheeling, globe-trotting spook-for-hire, Westen (played by Jeffrey Donovan) is now stuck, unemployed, in his hometown of Miami, where he’s burning to discover who slapped him with this burn notice — and why.

Adding to his travails: He’s in the same town as his demanding, hypochondriac mom (played by Sharon Gless).

But he has help when he needs it, from ex-girlfriend and spy Fiona (played by Gabrielle Anwar), as well as Sam (Bruce Campbell), his pal and a former spy now living the Miami good life.

Can Michael track down some answers? And can he find enough odd jobs as a sleuth to pay the bills in the meantime? “Burn Notice” premieres Thursday at 11 p.m.Other shows to look out for:[bul] Take a spin with Jay Leno as DIY Network launches “Celebrity Rides,” a new franchise about high-profile personalities and the cars they adore, including Leno, who, not just a late-night talker, is also famous as a car buff. This one-hour special features him with his prized collection of Duesenbergs. Leno shares stories about his automotive masterpieces, while world-renowned Duesenberg restorer Randy Ema provides tips on how you can transform your own classic into a modern marvel. “Celebrity Rides” premieres tomorow at 10 p.m.

[bul] Rachel, a popular high school senior, is jolted by the news: Her neighbour Jason, who died an untimely death, turns out to have been an intravenous drug user and was HIV-positive. Rachel now fears for her own health, since she and Jason once had unprotected sex. Can she muster the courage to take an AIDS test? What will the test reveal? The Lifetime film “Girl, Positive” is timed to National HIV Testing Day (June 27), and stars Andrea Bowen (“Desperate Housewives”). Jennie Garth (“Beverly Hills 90210”) plays a teacher in Rachel’s school who has been secretly living with the virus for years. S. Epatha Merkerson (“Law & Order”) plays the head of a local AIDS clinic. The film airs Monday at 10 p.m.

[bul] Shaq is on the attack against childhood obesity on his new ABC series, “Shaq’s Big Challenge.” With a team of experts (including the NBA superstar’s own physician-trainer), Shaquille O’Neal embarks on his crusade to help transform six obese middle-school Florida youngsters into healthy, fit kids — and, in the process, demonstrate how others can help fight this epidemic. Shaq’s dream team faces such challenges as preparing tasty, kid-friendly nutritious meals on a budget, and incorporating more exercise into kids’ daily routine. The goal: to implement a wellness program for the children of the community, and ultimately, for the entire state of Florida that can serve as a template for the nation. “Shaq’s Big Challenge” premieres on Tuesday at 10 p.m.

[bul] Can’t get enough of Paula Abdul on “American Idol”? A new Bravo reality series, “Hey Paula,” will zero in on this entrepreneur, choreographer, artist and personality. The seven-episode “Hey Paula” promises a three-dimensional portrait of Abdul, from the stressed celebrity and tough business woman to the fun-loving prankster. In the premiere, a whirlwind 48 hours awaits her as she gets red-carpet-ready for the Grammys, then, after the awards, changes out of her Valentino gown in the car while making a mad dash to catch a red eye. Landing in Philadelphia, she rushes to QVC to see her jewellery designs, only to find they’re not what she expected. Will the changes she demands be made in time for her live show, just hours away? As if all this action weren’t enough, a second episode immediately follows. “Hey Paula” premieres on Thursday at 11 p.m.

[bul] It’s no secret that the price of the war in Iraq is staggering — $500 billion, by one reckoning, with current spending $2 billion each week. Meanwhile, more than 3,500 US military personnel have died, with more than 25,000 wounded. Now a CNN Special Investigations Unit documentary examines the unexpected consequences of this protracted war. On “Battlefield Breakdown”, CNN correspondent John King reports that nearly two-thirds of the US Army’s 42 active brigades are rated unable to perform due to shortages of manpower and equipment, including armoured vehicles, lithium batteries, even water. And he reports that, early on, the Pentagon resisted Congressional efforts to add more armoured vehicles, perhaps mistakenly believing the war wouldn’t last long enough to warrant the investment. “Battlefield Breakdown” premieres today at 8 p.m.