TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"1,000 Places to See Before You Die," 6 and 9 p.m., Travel Channel. Patricia Schultz's book could have been transformed into an ordinary series, with an all-knowing host visiting the spots. Instead, Travel Channel took a wise step. It chose two people who see things with fresh eyes. Albin and Melanie Ulle are Colorado newlyweds. They're young and fit, with a quiet sense of humor. They put their jobs on hold for three months and went to some of Schultz's spots. These first hours visit Alaska and Italy. Yes, Alaska. The Ulles see gorgeous scenery by plane, helicopter, boat and an exceptionally fast dog sled. They meet longtime Alaskans who seem disarmingly cheerful. That includes Atz Lee Kilcher, the brother of pop star Jewel. After his bar band performs in Homer, he describes their ancestors' improbable route from Switzerland.

OF NOTE

"October Road," 9:01 p.m., ABC. This fairly good hour views possible romances. The obstacles seem huge to a 10-year-old boy, an overweight bartender, and a guy who won't leave his house.

"The Office," 7, 7:30, 8, 9 and 9:30 p.m., NBC. Five reruns of this quietly clever show are sandwiched around a new "Andy Barker, P.I." Viewing starts with one of the best episodes, in which Michael is the target of a diversity seminar. At 8:30, Dwight is supposed to choose a new health plan; Jim and Pam bombard them with fake illnesses. At 9, Michael's obnoxious friend visits. At 10, Dwight has a car accident and Michael has a grill accident. And at 10:30, Michael accidentally outs a gay employee.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. After a two-week break for basketball, this show is back. Six showgirls have been slain in a rented house; one of them may have known Warrick.

"Andy Barker, P.I.," 8:31 p.m., NBC. Andy tries to help a mall-mate who is being cheated by a crooked chicken company. A confrontation follows. There are some moderately funny moments, particularly from Harve Presnell as a retired detective.

"Shark," 9 p.m., CBS. Police say they killed a young black man in self-defense. Since the guy had a good record, Stark is skeptical.