TODAY'S MUST-SEE

"John Adams" debut, 5 p.m., HBO; second episode at 6:10. The American Revolution was no rush to judgment, this miniseries seems to say. This is a slow, graceful film. It's filled with pregnant pauses, moments of quiet doubt. That fits the subject. Adams lacked the charisma of a Washington or a Jefferson; but he quietly propelled the nation. Paul Giamatti makes him a deeply sympathetic character. Laura Linney brings passion to his wife Abigail, a brilliant letter-writer. Viewers must be patient as this film plods along. It airs two parts on Sunday night, nudging the nation into its war.

MIGHT-SEE

"The Cutting Edge 3: Chasing the Dream," 8 and 10 p.m., ABC Family. The original "Cutting Edge" (which reruns at 4 p.m.) paired a rich female figure-skater with a tough male hockey player. This new one pairs a rich male figure-skater with a tough female hockey player. We'll give no points originality, but it is adequately executed. Matt Lanter and Francia Raisa are attractive stars; Christy Carolson Romano, from "Cutting Edge 2" (6 p.m.) is strong as their new coach.

OF NOTE

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," 7 p.m., ABC. The team helps a motorcycling minister who works with kids.

"Everybody Hates Chris," 8 p.m., CW. Chris obsesses on getting his first kiss.

"The World's Funniest Commercials: Hilarious Liaisons," 5 p.m., TBS. These specials are always fun. This one focuses on romance, with Kathy Griffin as host.

"Aliens in America," 8:30 p.m., CW. In a funny episode, Justin find himself starring in a community-theater musical — with his mom in the cast.

"Cold Case," 8 p.m., CBS. When a gunshot victim dies after almost 20 years in a coma, the case has fresh urgency.

"Dream Home Giveaway" (6 p.m., repeating at 9 p.m.) and "Myles of Style" (7 p.m., repeating at 10 p.m.), both HGTV. First, we see a multimillion-dollar home given away. Then Kim Myles - the "Design Star" winner — launches her series.