TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Cashmere Mafia," 9 p.m., ABC. The opener (which aired Sunday) seemed cold and distant with unlikable characters. Now comes an instant makeover. "Cashmere Mafia" has added warmth and fun. Mia (Lucy Liu), ruthless in the opener, now has a heart. Juliet (Miranda Otto), emotionally blocked, has warmed to the prospect of a revenge affair. Caitlin (Bonnie Somerville), having bumbled romances with guys, frets about her attraction to a woman. And Zoe (Frances O'Connor) finds the one force she can't compete with — a full-time, stay-at-home mom.

"The Jewish Americans," 9-11 p.m., PBS. Viewers might expect this three-week documentary to start in the early 20th century, when more than two million Jews arrived from Europe. David Grubin, the gifted producer-director, goes much further back — to 23 Dutch Jews arriving in 1654. It's the start of a big story, richly told.

OF NOTE

"Power of 10" (CBS) "Deal or No Deal" (NBC), "Crowned" (CW) and "Wife Swap" (ABC); all 7 p.m. Freedom of choice, alas, means the big networks are giving us two game shows and two reality shows. As the strike continues, expect more.

"Back to You," 7 and 7:30 p.m., Fox. Facing that reality wave, you'll find a good alternative in these reruns, especially the 8:30 one. On Gracie's birthday, Chuck (Kelsey Grammer) tries to help. What's needed, however, is someone to get rid of a raccoon; Chuck and his colleagues fumble the job, in the sort of fun farce Grammer used to do on "Frasier."

"Pioneers of Television: Late Night," 8 p.m., PBS. This documentary views three late-nights hosts who are fascinating, despite the bland narration. Steve Allen started it all, bouncing between cleverly written sketches and sheer improvisation. Jack Paar mastered conversation and controversy. Then Johnny Carson transformed it all into his own image — easy, breezy and fun.

"'Til Death," 8-9 p.m., Fox. In a rerun, Jeff is acting principal; Eddie doesn't take him seriously and is suspended.

"Gossip Girl," 8 p.m., CW. When Serena is seen buying a pregnancy test rumors rumble. The story is interesting, despite some hideous overstatements.

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," 8 p.m., NBC. After finishing its season on the USA Network (a sister channel to NBC), this show returns to its original network. Tonight's story, a good one, involves the murder of a man who was Eames' husband's partner when he was killed, eight years ago. To solve this case, Eames must re-open her husband's case.

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. Here's a terrific showcase for Linus Roache (as the top deputy district attorney) and Sam Waterston (as his predecessor and boss). The case, a pipe bombing, requires some extreme coincidences. Once it's in motion, however, we see two strong lawyers at work.