TONIGHT'S MUST-SEES

"Big Bang Theory," 7 p.m., CBS. Leslie Winkle has become one of the best characters to intermittently pop up in a TV comedy. She has all the smarts of her fellow scientist, Leonard, but none of his warmth. As played by Sara Gilbert, she's sarcastic, pragmatic and, at times, hilarious. Now she's back, in a good rerun. Bummed by the fact that Penny has a new boyfriend, Leonard reverts to Leslie. That's always an iffy idea; it's also a funny one.

"Ron Howard: 50 Years in Film" (3 and 6 p.m.) and "Grand Theft Auto" (1977, 4:30 p.m.), Turner Classic Movies. Ron Howard's career should make a compelling documentary. Howard did TV roles at 5, co-starred in the "The Andy Griffith Show" at 6, directing a movie ("Grand Theft Auto") at 23. From "Splash" to "Apollo 13" to "A Beautiful Mind," he's shown that mainstream entertainment can be superbly crafted. Still, this film keeps verging on dullness. It's short on early-Ron clips and has zero comments from other people.

OF NOTE

"Dog Whisperer," 3 p.m., National Geographic Channel. For the next five days, this show will fill up the channel's prime time. Mostly reruns, but there's a new hour at 3; it has a frenetic sheepdog/collie mix and a St. Bernard that's afraid of stairs.

"Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven," 6 p.m., HBO. Growing up in wartime Italy, Sirio Maccioni took the only job he could. He became a waiter at 15, then moved to the U.S. and became a waiter and maitre d'. He became owner of Le Cirque, a gathering point for New York's elite. This documentary is thoroughly entertaining at its start and finish.

"House," 7 p.m., Fox. Earlier, Dr. House hired a detective to probe a patient and others. In this rerun, the detective probes House's staff.

"Greatest Holiday Moments: Hilarious Holiday Videos," 7 p.m., NBC. This special was originally scheduled for a pre-Christmas run, then was postponed. Now we'll see videos of odd holiday moments.