TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"One Tree Hill," season-opener, 7 p.m., CW/KHON digital 93. At a time when new, scripted shows are rare, this could be a blessing. It has 12 new hours and an interesting twist. Last season, the "One Tree" kids graduated from high school. Now the show jumps ahead 4 1/2 years. Some have scattered, one is famous, but most are back home. James Lucas Scott is 4 now; surrounded by attentive grown-ups. In tonight's second hour, his uncle Lucas enters him in a soap-box derby. There are also soap-opera tangles, which will be gradually explained in flashbacks.

"Nova: Absolute Zero: The Conquest of Cold," 8 p.m., PBS. Cleverly written and beautifully filmed, this documentary traces man's belated attempt to use cold as an advantage. It wasn't until the 19th century that refrigeration made some inventors millionaires. In the mid-20th century, air-conditioning transformed life in the South and in big cities.

OF NOTE

"The Biggest Loser," 7 p.m., NBC. In last week's opener, the father-daughter team was ousted. Tonight, the duos, which raced last week to determine if they'd be trained by Jillian or Bob, learn they'll be working with both trainers.

"Bones" and "House," 7 and 8 p.m., Fox. Next week, Fox will have new shows — "American Idol" and a "Terminator" spinoff. Tonight, it fills holes by rerunning these pilot episodes. "Bones" is fun, as we see the early contrast between "squints" (scientists) and FBI guys. "House" also started well but soon became great.

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. The murder of a petty officer soon leads to the search for a missing child.

"People's Choice Awards," 8-10 p.m., CBS. Only during a strike would we almost be looking forward to this immensely pointless show. Queen Latifah hosts, giving the show much more talent than it requires.

"According to Jim," 8 p.m., ABC. Cheryl is supervising the health and safety of the family — except that Jim promptly gets hurt while running.

"How Much is Enough?" debut, 7 p.m., GSN/Oceanic digital 435. Contestants simply try to take a bunch of money, knowing that the one who takes the most will get nothing. It's a game show with zero play-along factor for viewers. Think of it as "Deal or No Deal" without the big money, the glitz or (presumably) the audience.

"Cashmere Mafia," 9 p.m., ABC. A quick rerun of the pilot: Lovers Mia and Jack compete for a job as group publisher for a media group; Caitlin has a new love interest in the office; Juliet decides on payback for her husband's indiscretions.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. Erika Christensen, the troubled teen in "Traffic," guests as a cop who has been tracing a suspected serial killer.