TONIGHT'S MUST-SEES

"24: Redemption," 8 p.m., Fox. The "24" formula has been contorted a tad. Instead of a 24-episode tale covering one day, we get a two-hour movie covering ... well, two hours.

Jack Bauer has been ducking a federal investigation. Now he's in Africa, where a deeply decent friend is trying to keep kids away from the rebels.

By "24" standards, this starts slowly. Then the action begins; taut and exciting, it demands that we suspend disbelief.

Wedged in are glimpses of the new U.S. president and her problems. We'll see more in January, when a 24-hour adventure begins.

"American Music Awards," 7 p.m., ABC; red carpet at 6 p.m. Jimmy Kimmel hosts, with lots of music to introduce.

Alicia Keys, who leads with five nominations, is expected to perform. So are Maria Carey, Beyonce, Kanye West, Rihanna, Coldplay, Christina Aguilera, The Fray, Pink, Taylor Swift, Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis and more.

OF NOTE

"Herod's Lost Tomb," 4 p.m., National Geographic Channel. There's no proof that King Herod ordered the mass murder of male babies, as the Old Testament said. Still, historians agree that he was a brutal leader and a great force in architecture. This fascinating hour views his history and finds what may be his tomb.

"Supernova," 6 p.m., ION. "The Color of Magic," was scheduled here, then postponed until January. Instead, we get this so-so miniseries.

"Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" (1999, Spike), 6 p.m. or "Superman" (1978, TV Land), 8 p.m. Take your choice of well-made fantasy epics.

"True Blood" and "Entourage," 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., HBO. Both have their season finales. In the first, Sookie is dangerously close to identifying the serial killer. In the second, the gang retreats home.

"Masterpiece: The Unseen Alistair Cooke," 8 p.m., PBS. As "Masterpiece Theatre" host, Alistair Cooke seemed like the classic, upper-crust Englishman, droll and distant. In truth, this profile says, he was zestful. He partied frequently, talked constantly. He clung to his radio broadcast, finally retiring at 95; he died four weeks later.

"A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All," 8 p.m., Comedy Central. Rippling through this hour are wonderfully witty songs. Except for the finale, all were written by "Daily Show" producer David Javerbaum and composer Adam Schlesinger. They're sung by Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, John Legend, Feist, Elvis Costello and Colbert.