TV critic's choice: Sept. 5-11

Sunday"The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon" (8 p.m., KSTC, Ch. 45) has never been accused of being hip, but this year it has roped in some contemporary talent, starting with an opening number from the "So You Think You Can Dance" choreographer, an appearance by Enrique Iglesias and a performance by the cast of Broadway's "Memphis." Don't worry, traditionalists. Charo, Charlie Callas and Tony Orlando will also be around.

MondayThe Travel Channel is hosting a feast for its favorite chef. The network is turning over the entire day to "Anthony Bourdain No Reservations," starting with fan favorites, a special ("What Were We Thinking," 8 p.m.) and the show's 100th episode (9 p.m.), in which Bourdain returns to Paris, the destination of his very first episode. Tums not included.

TuesdayDavid Letterman, who rarely ventures outside of late night, makes his inaugural appearance on "The View" (10 a.m., KSTP, Ch. 5) to plead with the gals not to show up anymore on Jay Leno's show. Seriously, Letterman's appearance is tied to the return of Barbara Walters, who was out for several months recovering from heart-valve surgery.

WednesdayI'm sure Minneapolis resident Sean LaCoste is a decent guy, but I have to question his sanity since he's one of two viewers who joined fearless Bear Grylls in the Canadian wilderness for the season premiere of "Man vs. Wild" (8 p.m., Discovery). Among the adventures: a rope drop from a helicopter onto a mountain peak, rappelling down a granite rock face and navigating a waterfall.

ThursdayMaggie Q looks great in a bikini, but she looks even better when she's knocking the stuffing out of bad guys. You get to see plenty of both in "Nikita" (8 p.m., WUCW, Ch. 23), an ambitious, unpredictable new series that's sweatier and more satisfying than the network's last tough-gal effort, "Dollhouse."

NEAL JUSTIN