TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"New Amsterdam" debut, 8 p.m., Fox. Like many TV cops, John Amsterdam has a weary, been-there, done-that mood. For him, it makes sense. He's been there for four centuries. Back in 1642, he saved an Indian maiden who then rescued him with a spell: He'll have immortality, until he finds true love. He's still looking. In most hands, this might have merely been silly. "New Amsterdam," however, is smartly written, bringing a sense of depth and history. Lasse Hallstrom ("Cider House Rules," "Chocolat") directed this pilot beautifully. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, a talented Danish actor, gives this cop a deep sense of humanity. Zuleikha Robinson (the lusty slave in "Rome") is his police partner and Stephen Henderson is his sole confidante.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. On Thursday, the show will have its final 12. First, four people must go. The eight guys sing tonight.

OF NOTE

"Spellbound" (1945), 3 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. This black-and-white, Alfred Hitchcock classic has a psychiatrist (Ingrid Bergman) falling for a doctor (Gregory Peck). She starts to wonder if he really is the doctor, or an amnesiac patient. And if so what happened to the doctor? The dream scenes here were inspired by Salvador Dali paintings.

"The Biggest Loser," 7-9 p.m., NBC. After a hospital visit, the contestants face one of their scariest challenges. Using a zip-line, they must zoom across a ravine and grab flags.

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. A Marine is involved in a plan to create a super soldier. That idea never seems to work out well.

"In Treatment," 7:30 p.m., HBO. Last week (rerunning at 7 p.m.), Alex (Blair Underwood) dug too deeply into the personal life of Paul, his therapist. Paul started to attack him. Still, Alex returns this week and reaches what he considers a revelation.

"One Tree Hill," 8 p.m., CW/KHON, digital 93. Lucas and Nathan testify at their dad's bail hearing. Also, a major record label is interested in Mia.

"According to Jim," 8 p.m., ABC. Jim is in charge of his daughter's birthday. Then he learns she doesn't really want a girlie-style party.

"Carpoolers," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Today's lesson: Don't pretend you're the boss on "take your daughter to work day."

"Jericho," 9 p.m., CBS. Things are tougher in Jericho now: A corporate nasty is in charge; the decent Major Beck has been assigned strictly to catch "terrorists." Tonight, Hawkins gets a tip that Beck is one day from arresting him.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. A kidnapper attacks and injures Stabler (Christopher Meloni).

"10 Items or Less" season finale, 9 p.m., TBS. Leslie is going all-out for his store's Renaissance Days. He even challenges the competing store's manager to a joust.