"Swingtown" debut, 9 p.m., CBS. In 1976, the gnawing issues (Vietnam, Nixon) were gone. The Bicentennial and disco were here; it was party time. That's the backdrop for this new series, which focuses on one detail: There was more mention of mate-swapping. "Swingtown" moves a sensitive woman (the terrific Molly Parker) to the suburbs with her dull husband and their kids. They meet a swinging couple (Grant Show and Lana Parilla). There are other characters, including some teenagers. Eventually, "Swingtown" might be less about sex and more about humanity. For now, we'll watch because of Parker's talent and the fun backdrop.

"Fear Itself," 9 p.m., NBC. This summer anthology series starts with four small-time crooks stranded on a country road. They find a fortress with sweet-looking blondes and a dark secret. Clearly, this is too-familiar turf. Still, it has two assets: Jesse Plemons (the wonderful "Friday Night Lights" actor) as a reluctant crook and Breck Eisner (son of former Disney chief Michael Eisner) directing, creating a great-looking hour.

OF NOTE

"So You Think You Can Dance," 7-9 p.m., Fox. Stretched over eight TV hours, Fox showed auditions that sent hordes to Las Vegas. Tonight, they'll be sifted to 20 finalists.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., CBS. The first rerun has contrasting victims — an ex-con and a millionaire's wife. The second brings back Melinda Clarke as Grissom's friend Lady Heather; she won't identify the person who tried to kill her.

"My Name is Earl," 7 p.m., NBC. Randy takes care of Earl while working on his list.

"Princess Bride" (1987, AMC) or "Misery" (1990, WE), 5 p.m. Choose from two films — one light, one not — directed by the gifted Rob Reiner.

"Last Comic Standing," 7:30-9 p.m., NBC. French Stewart and Josh Gomez judge the auditions in San Francisco. Then it's Dave Foley and Richard Kind in Toronto.