TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Chuck" debut, 7 p.m., NBC. Chuck (Zachary Levi) seems comfortably obscure. He has a job, a friend and a sister who thinks he should be dating. Then he accidentally absorbs the government's top secrets. Obscurity is gone; he's being watched by two federal agents, one beautiful (Yvonne Strahovski) and one scary (Adam Baldwin), plus some bad guys. "Chuck" finds the right balance between humor and action. Fantasy buffs can savor the adventure; others can enjoy a show that's slick and fun.

"How I Met Your Mother" season-opener, 7 p.m., CBS. This may now be TV's best situation comedy, especially with great guest bits like this. Enrique Iglesias plays Robin's new, Argentine lover, who's disarmingly perfect. Ted tries to bury his woe in a lusty night with a tattooed babe (Mandy Moore). The result is hilarious.

OF NOTE

"Fog City Mavericks," 6 p.m., Starz. Settling in San Francisco, filmmakers have combined artistry and popularity. Here's an excellent portrait, led by views of George Lucas and Francis Coppola.

"Dancing With the Stars," 7 p.m., ABC. This week, the show will sprawl over three nights. There are a dozen celebrities, ranging in age from model Albert Reed, 22, to singer Wayne Newton, 65.

"Prison Break," 7 p.m., Fox. A shabby Panamanian prison — with no guards inside — holds Michael, Mahone, a shattered Bellick and a conniving T-Bag. They scramble to find a key, hiding prisoner, in a tough and nasty hour.

"The Big Bang Theory" debut, 7:30 p.m., CBS. Leonard and Sheldon are young scientists, comfortable in their nerdiness. Then Penny (Kaley Cuoco) moves in. She's a waitress, sweet, beautiful and uncomplicated. Lives spin in new and funny directions. There were some crude moments in the pilot film, but they've been removed; the result is clever.

"The War," 8, 10 p.m., PBS. This edition views 1943. It's Patton-vs.-Rommel in Africa, with daring air raids of Germany and plans for a European invasion.

"Two and a Half Men" season-opener, 8 p.m., CBS. Charlie and Alan prepare Jake for junior high. Naturally, they overdo things.

"Heroes" season-opener, 8 p.m., NBC. Tonight, we learn what happened to Nathan, Peter and Matt. We also find Hiro in ancient Japan where he meets a mentor. Claire and her adoptive dad are trying to be inconspicuous. A new killer is loose and Mexican twins are trying to sneak over the border to get help with their powers.

"The Bachelor" season-opener, 8:30 p.m., ABC. Chuck Womack, 34, is a former oil-rig worker who owns four Austin, Texas, bars with his brothers. "Bachelor" offers several views of his torso, then introduces 25 fine-looking women. One gets drunk; another slips into her bikini. It's a fun start.

"Journeyman" debut, 9 p.m., NBC. Here's a time-travel tale that gets way too complex. Still, Kevin McKidd ("Rome") is excellent and the rain-soaked finale is smart and gripping.