Call it The Return of the Joni.

And that’s pronounced with an “eye” sound, as in Jedi, as opposed to an “eee” sound, as in Joni Mitchell. Anyway, the Jonas Brothers’ sitcom, appropriately titled JONAS, makes its Canadian debut tonight on the Family Channel.

The series stars Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas as Joe, Nick and Kevin Lucas, three high school hunks who just happen to be in a band called Jonas. Seriously, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Kevin Jonas was asked if JONAS could be compared to any other series, in terms of tone.

“We were on vacation one year, and we were out by a beach when a storm came in, so it was just raining for three days and the only thing on TV was reruns of The Monkees,” Kevin said.

“Literally, for three days straight. It was amazing.

“We’ve also watched The Partridge Family. And definitely, of course, we’ve seen the Beatles’ movies, a huge inspiration.”

JONAS originates on the Disney Channel in the United States. It debuted there last month.

On June 21 the Jonas Brothers will be live on MuchMusic from coast-to-coast in Canada as they co-host the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards.

Watch video of Jonas Bothers fans camped out at MuchMusic here.

bill.harris@sunmedia.ca