TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale," 6 p.m., Lifetime; repeats at 5 p.m. tomorrow and 6 p.m. Monday. There are many things wrong with this film. The script is blunt and melodramatic. The characters are carved in one-note blocks. Fantasia Barrino is only adequate in playing herself. Beyond that, the opening notion is just silly. Two soulless folks in suits arrive to ask Barrino if she wants to quit "American Idol." Quit "Idol" because strangers sent some nasty e-mails? That's an absurd notion to hang a story on. Still, this is worth watching. It's a fascinating, feel-good story, filled with dramatic extremes. Barrino was the little darling of her church, then the outcast, then the returned prodigal daughter. She had an early pregnancy, just as her mother and grandmother (played by Viola Davis and Loretta Devine) did. She had bad breaks, bad decisions ... and a great voice filled with passion. She beat the odds and became an Idol. Even when told badly, it's a great story. Kadeem Hardison also stars.

OF NOTE

"Flight 93" (2006), 5 p.m., A&E. With the Emmy awards only eight days away here's another chance to see one of the nominees for best movie. It looks at the people who charged into the cockpit, keeping the airliner from doing greater damage. Meanwhile, the movie "United 93," is out on DVD Sept. 5.

"Cast Away" (2000), 7 p.m., ABC. For much of this film, the only characters on camera are a lone plane-wreck survivor and a soccer ball named Wilson. Still, the film works because it's skillfully written, directed and played by (respectively) William Broyles Jr., Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks. Despite a so-so ending, it's worth watching.

"Ghost Whisperer," 7 p.m., CBS. When a neighbor moves in, Melinda seems to see an eerie spirit arriving, too. She's so obsessed that her husband argues about the effect these visions are having.

Gymnastics, 7 p.m., NBC. Highlights of the women's U.S. Championships.

"CSI: Miami," 8 p.m., CBS. Two IRS agents are killed in different parts of town under difference circumstances. Is there a connection?

"Crossing Jordan," 9 p.m., NBC. Woody and Lu investigate a schizophrenic man in a neighborhood where a girl was killed. Meanwhile, Jordan gets little support from friends when she considers taking Kayla in as a foster child.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Alec Baldwin hosts. Shakira is the musical guest.