The teams from "American Experience" and "Frontline" have collaborated on the ambitious "God in America" series that examines the major role religion has played in shaping the social, political and cultural life of our nation.
Over three nights and six hours, the production interweaves documentary footage, historical dramatization and expert commentary while making a case that you can't really understand American history without understanding the influence faith has had upon it.
The program's first hour, "A New Adam," explores the origins of America's unique religious landscape and how the New World challenged and changed the faiths the first European settlers brought with them. 9 p.m. Monday, PBS.
Other good bets:
TONIGHT: Batten down the hatches. Renee (Vanessa Williams) has already caused quite a stir as the saucy new neighbor on "Desperate Housewives." Now, she's taking Bree (Marcia Cross) to the clubs on a determined manhunt. 8 p.m., ABC.
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TONIGHT: On "Boardwalk Empire," Jimmy (Michael Pitt) makes the rounds in Chicago with Al Capone (Stephen Graham) as the Prohibition-era shenanigans continue. And we'll happily drink to that. Various times starting at 6 p.m., HBO.
TONIGHT: On "Dexter," our titular character (Michael C. Hall) needs more time to hunt down his victims. So he does what any single parent/serial killer would do: Hire a nanny. Various times starting at 6 p.m., Showtime.
MONDAY: On "The Event," the White House desperately tries to ward off a biological threat. But the new show apparently has an even bigger crisis on its hands: Saggy ratings. 8 p.m., NBC.
TUESDAY: On "No Ordinary Family," someone steals Stephanie's (Julie Benz) wedding ring. Big mistake. The thief obviously isn't aware of the awesome powers she and her brood possess. 7 p.m., ABC.
TUESDAY: Comedian Mike Epps hosts the fifth annual "BET Hip Hop Awards" from Atlanta. The members of Salt-n-Pepa are scheduled to receive a special honor for career achievement. 8 p.m., BET.
WEDNESDAY: "The Middle" continues its hilarious sophomore season as Axl (Charlie McDermott) is suspended from school for playing hooky. Dad (Neil Flynn) tries to teach Axl a lesson by taking him to the quarry for some hard labor, but it backfires when the boy decides he likes the job so much he wants to drop out permanently. 7 p.m., ABC.
WEDNESDAY: Another dead body pops up on "Law & Order: SVU," this time in a fountain. Benson and Stabler (Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni) are called in to investigate the victim's oddly promiscuous actions on the night of her murder. David Krumholtz guest stars. 8 p.m., NBC.
THURSDAY: We have an Ann-Margret sighting. The veteran actress-singer pops up on "CSI" in an episode about a serial killer targeting Las Vegas icons who harbor deep secrets. 8 p.m., CBS.
THURSDAY: Let's see if Tina Fey and the "30 Rock" gang blow their lines during tonight's very special live edition of the Emmy-winning sitcom. They'll have two chances to get it right, doing one go-through for the East Coast and another for viewers out West. 7:30 p.m., NBC.
FRIDAY: "School Pride" sounds like a show we could use in these economically trying times. It focuses on good samaritans as they work to restore run-down campuses in their communities. Cheryl Hines ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") hosts. 7 p.m., NBC.
SATURDAY: Have you always wanted to impress the neighbors with your own vampire lair? "Halloween Block Party 2010" has a team of designers demonstrating how to create all kinds of spooky decorations for the upcoming fright night. 8 p.m., HGTV.
