"Fringe": Sci-fi fans have anticipated this series as if it were a new "Star Wars" installment. Actually, it's better. J.J. Abrams and his crackerjack team appear to have created a compelling new drama that doesn't require a degree in Klingon Studies to comprehend. (8 p.m., KSMP, Ch. 9.)

"90210": This remake of the '90s classic could use a semester of creative-writing classes -- the students are saddled with dialogue clunkier than a text message. I guess it's good sport to see which alums stop by, but unless Hilary Swank comes sashaying down those halls, I find it hard to care. (7 p.m., WUCW, Ch. 23.)

"House": Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) and House (Hugh Laurie) haven't made up -- being partly to blame for a girlfriend's death has a funny way of testing friendships -- adding a juicy complication to a show that too often relies on the same old prescription. (7 p.m., KMSP, Ch. 9.)

"Opportunity Knocks": If you can't come to the game show, the game show will come to you. Host J.D. Roth arrives on families' doorsteps and leads them through a carnival-atmosphere quiz about their loved ones. Winners get a lot of money and a better security system. (7 p.m. Sept. 23, KSTP, Ch. 5.)

"Privileged": JoAnn Garcia ("Reba") plays a would-be writer who pays the bills by tutoring two rich Palm Beach twins who are as spoiled as two-month-old milk. Garcia is a bubbly delight, but it's unlikely to duplicate the buzz (or brilliance) of "Gossip Girl." (8 p.m., WUCW, Ch. 23.)