Billy the Kid: American Experience (9pm, UNC-TV) - This one-hour documentary looks at the boy behind the myth of "Billy the Kid," who was born in New York City's slums to impoverished, Irish immigrant parents and became one of the most legendary outlaws in American history. Billy the Kid, aka Henry McCarty, was killed in 1881 by Lincoln County (New Mexico) sheriff Pat Garrett after escaping custody while awaiting his execution for the murder of the previous Lincoln County sheriff. The interesting profile includes remarks from Western historians and writers like Michael Wallis and Drew Gomber, and from former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson.
Shipping Wars (9pm, A&E) - In the opener of a new series following seven independent shippers who carry items traditional shippers won't handle, like a steel horse weighing 4000 pounds and a huge Venus flytrap. A second episode airs at 9:30.
Celebrity Wife Swap (9pm, ABC) - The laid-back bride-to-be of Flavor Flav trades places with rocker Dee Snider's wife.
The Game (10pm, BET) - Season 5 opens with Melanie grappling with Derwin's accusations that she had an abortion. Meanwhile, Malik and Tasha deal with a drunken Jenna and a wild night comes back to haunt Jason.
Tabatha Takes Over (10pm, Bravo) - In the Season 4 premiere, Tabatha Coffey tries to revamp a salon in Minneapolis, which has an uncontrollable staff and an immature proprietress.
Parenthood (10pm, NBC) - Adam gets attention from a local newspaper and Crosby feels left out. Also, Amber tries to adapt to her new job and Sarah considers having another child.
Body of Proof (10pm, ABC) - A murder investigation strikes close to home when an undercover policeman is killed execution-style at a truck stop.
The Biggest Loser (8pm, NBC) - This show runs pretty much non-stop throughout the year now. The previous season just ended a few weeks ago and now we have a fresh new batch of couples at the ranch. The twist this season is that the couples will be split up and compete against each other.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (8pm, CBS) - The season's first broadcast network sighting of Rudolph! Burl Ives narrates this animated musical classic, first telecast in 1964.
NCIS (8pm, CBS) - Boo! Fooled ya! Robert Wagner is arrested for murder but it's while he's playing Tony's dad on "NCIS." Wagner's character is suspected of murder when he's found in a car with a dead body and has no recollection of his actions. Tony is taken off the case, forcing him to disobey orders to prove his dad's innocence. Coincidentally, Wagner was just in the CBS lineup this past Saturday night, co-starring in an episode of "48 Hours Mystery: Vanity Fair Hollywood Scandal." On that show, a boat captain alleged that Wagner had a hand in the drowning death of his wife Natalie Wood in 1981. Awkward. (Note: That "48 Hours" episode was originally supposed to air this coming Saturday, November 26, but CBS rushed it to air a week early -- and so quickly that I didn't even know it was on. Here is the
Raising Hope (9:30pm, Fox) - A 13-year-old kid's obsession with Sabrina drives Jimmy nuts, and Burt and Virginia wonder how to get Maw Maw's gold tooth back after she swallows it.
New Girl (9pm, Fox) - This show is back tonight after a few weeks off, and I'm sad to admit I didn't miss it a bit. Tonight: Nick lands a date with an attractive coworker (Lake Bell) but then Jess (Zooey Deschanel, left) accidentally walks in on him naked and her laughter kills his self-confidence. As I'm sure it would for anyone.
Man Up! (8:30pm, ABC) - Three men in their thirties navigate -- and bemoan the state of -- modern manhood. It's not good, but it's not as bad as Tim Allen's bemoaning of modern manhood at 8pm. Here's
Prohibition (8pm, UNC-TV) - In the conclusion to this three-part documentary series, Ken Burns looks at the factors that led to the end of Prohibition, including the criminalization of alcohol which fed large profits into the coffers of criminal organizations and turned gangsters such as Al Capone into celebrities. Also, wealthy Pauline Sabine, who encouraged the repeal of the 18th Amendment and brought together women of all classes who supported her position.
New Girl (9pm, Fox) - This new sitcom opened to gangbuster ratings last week, which is cool. I just want Zooey Deschanel's character to be a little less totally helpless, so I'm hoping some tweaking begins tonight (Nerdy does not have to equal stupid, okay writers? Okay.). Tonight, the guys help Jess get her stuff out of her ex's apartment, and we meet Winston (Lamorne Morris), an old roommate who returns from playing basketball overseas and moves back into the loft. The Damon Wayans Jr character is out (you can find him over at "Happy Endings" on ABC, Wednesday nights at 9:30).
90210 (8pm, CW) - In the Season 4 premiere, Naomi adjusts her lower social status at college while also digesting the news of her pregnancy. Also, Adrianna wants to redeem herself and Dixon needs a place to live.