TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The New Adventures of Old Christine," 8:30 p.m., CBS. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is at her Emmy-winning best when her character, Christine, is rattled. Tonight, that hits an extreme. She's fallen for her son's teacher (Blair Underwood). Now she gets ditzy whenever he's near. Things get more complicated when someone points out that he is black and she isn't. Suddenly, Christine is more self-conscious — and funnier — than ever.

"American Experience: The Gold Rush" 9 p.m., PBS. When gold was discovered in California in 1848 the effect was virtually unprecedented. In other countries, discoveries belonged to the government or to a few land-owners. This one brought a democratic surge. The ordinary working guy got rich. The American dream soared and crashed in just five years. With more people and less gold, things turned ugly. Indians were slain; foreigners were taxed. This superb documentary focuses on five adventurers. Their stories ripple with human passion.

OF NOTE

"Country Music Association Awards," 7 p.m., ABC. Brooks and Dunn host with much of Nashville on hand. Performers (subject to change) include Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and The Wreckers. Vince Gill will be in the "Building Bridges" number and will also be linked with his wife Amy Grant, his daughter Jenny and Sheryl Crow.

"Prison Break," 7 p.m., Fox. Michael finally meets Sara who helped with the break-out. Mahone, however, is close behind.

"The Class," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Our favorite opposites, Kat and Ethan, are nudging themselves into another misadventure. They'll pretend to be the blind dates that people in a bar are waiting for.

"Two and a Half Men," 8 p.m., CBS. Sara Rue ("Less Than Perfect") guests as Berta's daughter. She's pregnant; now Berta and Charlie will confront the father.

"Heroes," 8 p.m., NBC. Last week, D.L. Hawkins (Niki's ex-lover) grabbed the money and their son; now she's desperate and confides in a friend. Meanwhile, Matt chases the serial killer, Hiro questions his heroism, Nathan makes campaign plans with his wife (Rena Sofer) and Claire is shocked to learn where the tape, which shows her abilities, ended up.

"Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," 9 p.m., NBC. Tom (Nathan Corddry) is in a small-town jail. People want to get him out in time for the show. The judge (John Goodman), however, is not a fan.

"CSI: Miami," 9 p.m., CBS. A man was killed during a car stunt but was it really an accident?