TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Nashville" debut, 8 p.m., Fox. Here's a reality show without the gimmicks. There's no prize, no elimination; we simply follow the lives of some country-music hopefuls. That works because the people are well-selected. They are attractive, likable and — as far as we can tell so far — steeply talented. Yes, there are flaws: Scenes seem contrived. (Two people wander into the Grand Old Opry, which just happens to have lights and sound on.) By the end of the first hour, we have no idea whether several of these people can sing or write. The ones we have heard, however, are remarkable. These are people we want to follow and root for.

"Jericho," 8 p.m., CBS. After catching this rerun, you can settle back and wait for this show's seven-episode return, sometime in mid-season. The neighboring New Bern has started a bombardment. Now Jericho's mayor must decide to fight or surrender.

OF NOTE

"Meet the Parents" (2000), 7 and 9 p.m., ABC Family. A hapless chap (Ben Stiller) meets his girlfriend's imposing parents (Robert De Niro and Blythe Danner).

"America's Funniest Home Videos: Showbusiness," 7 p.m., ABC. Here are two hours of performance mishaps.

"Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" 7 p.m., Fox. Here's a new round to nudge people into the excellent show ("Nashville") that follows.

"Two and a Half Men," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Alan is ready to sue Kandi — until he learns she has the same lawyer who got a big settlement against him in his previous divorce.

"Las Vegas," 8 p.m., NBC. After her big inheritance Sam is being romanced by one of the rich casino customers she works with.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. Blair Underwood and Michael Michele play a husband and wife in the middle of a bitter court fight. Now there's a rape accusation and conflicting stories.

"Numb3rs," 9 p.m., CBS. A young interpreter has been killed in what looks like a hit-and-run accident. Don suspects it was murder.