TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The Amazing Race" opener, 8 p.m., CBS. The "Family Edition," sticking mostly to the United States, wasn't amazing enough. Ratings slumped. Now "Race" returns to its epic approach in its ninth incarnation. The 11 duos tonight go from Denver to South America. And these are interesting duos. Two hunky men spend much of their time on the beach of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; they seem kind of girl-crazy. Two cheery Staten Island, N.Y., women, recent college grads, seem kind of guy-crazy. One married couple has an old-fashioned, he's-the-boss relationship. Another — married for 40 years — does not. Then there are the 6-foot sisters who describe themselves as "glamazons" and two hippie-like friends from California. There are three dating couples, another set of friends and a mom and daughter. Ages range from 22 to 63; personalities range just as much. It may be easy for you to find someone to like, but it may be even easier to find someone to hate.

OF NOTE

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. The 10 women perform.

"According to Jim," 7 and 8 p.m., ABC. Kimberly Williams-Paisley has key duty in both episodes. In the first, her character (Dana) has had an erotic dream about her brother-in-law. Williams-Paisley directed the second, which centers on a feud between Jim and his neighbor (Julie Newmar).

"Nova: Arctic Passage," 8 p.m., PBS. In 1845, British captain Sir John Franklin took two ships in search of the Northwest passage. The ships were well-stocked, with an organ, more than 1,000 books and a three-year supply of canned food (relatively new at the time). The first hour of this fascinating film analyzes how everything went wretchedly bad. The second traces Roald Amundsen, who finally discovered the passage in 1905.

"Scrubs," 8 and 8:30 p.m., NBC. In the first episode, intern Keith is driving J.D. crazy. In the second, Keith's new relationship makes J.D. even angrier.

"The War at Home," 8:30 p.m., Fox. In a transplanted episode, Vicky (Anita Barone) is out of work and off the pill. Her husband (Michael Rapaport) is desperate to find her a new job.

"Boston Legal," 9 p.m., ABC. On the old "L.A. Law," Corbin Bernsen played a nasty divorce lawyer. Now this show — from former "L.A. Law" producer David E. Kelley — brings him in as Bev (Joanna Cassidy) prepares action against Denny.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. A teen from Montreal disappears after a night of New York partying. Three rich prep-school guys are suspects.

TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8

Tonight on News 8, Walter Makaula profiles Hawaii's Most Wanted. Will your tip bring another crook to justice? Tune in at 6 and 10 p.m.