TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Doctor Who" season-openers, 5 and 6:30 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. This series has survived — with long breaks — for 44 years and 10 lead actors. It keeps deftly re-inventing itself. Our hero (simply The Doctor) is a time lord. He roams galaxies in a phone booth that is, somehow, bigger inside. He tends to have an Earthling companion, usually female. Most recent was Rose, a stunned young shop girl. The Doctor changes tone with each actor. David Tennant brings a light, madcap zest.

There are the usual overwrought villains. The real change involves companions. Tonight's first episode is a one-shot with comedian-actress Catherine Tate. In the middle of her wedding, she's snatched into space. The result is played for broad laughs. The second introduces Freema Agyeman, a British actress with Ghanian and Iranian parents. She plays Dr. Martha Jones, who can be just as calm and resourceful as our hero. The Doctor/Doctor season is off to a good start.

OF NOTE

"Kyle XY," 7 p.m., ABC. Kyle is usually calm, but now he's being pushed to the breaking point by Foss and Declan. That's in a rerun of the ABC Family episode Monday.

"Bones," 7 p.m., Fox. This rerun is a well-written hour that examines the world of child beauty-pageant contestants.

"Ghost Whisperer," 7 p.m., CBS. In a rerun, the ghost of a professor is fuming because his former assistant took credit for his work.

"Jericho" return, 8 p.m., CBS. It's been a strange ride for "Jericho." The show started well, faded and was canceled. Fans howled and it will be back sometime next season. For now, re-watch the show's terrific pilot film. Skeet Ulrich plays the mayor's prodigal son, returning to a small town after five years. Then outside events change everything. The result is a strong portrait of ordinary people under pressure.

"Standoff," 8 p.m., Fox. Matt and Emily have wondered what would happen if they broke up, but had to work together. Now they see Cheryl on a tough case with her former lover.

"George Lopez," 8 and 8:30 p.m., ABC. In the first rerun, Vic introduces his fiancee, who seems young and not too bright. In the second, Veronica and her boyfriend move in.

"Las Vegas," 8 p.m., NBC. Mike heads to Hawai'i to help Sam, in this rerun. Meanwhile, Ed has surprising news about his past.

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," 9 p.m., NBC. When the wife of a TV preacher (Tom Arnold) is killed, his secrets are revealed. Also in this rerun, Goren visits his ailing mom (Rita Moreno) and meets his long-missing brother (Tony Goldwyn).