TONIGHT'S MUST-SEES

"Make 'em Laugh" debut, 8 p.m., PBS. Over six hours during the next three Wednesdays, PBS will take us on a joy ride through comedy history. Despite a few flaws — occasional over-analysis, a few poorly chosen clips — it's great fun. In the first hour, we see the comedy of outsiders. That's beautifully illustrated with Harold Lloyd, Woody Allen, Andy Kaufman, Phyllis Diller, Jonathan Winters and Cheech and Chong; the category is also stretched to include early Bob Hope, Robin Williams and Steve Martin. In the second hour, we see situation comedies focusing on families. The basic, feel-good pattern that Gertrude Berg established in the 1949 "The Goldbergs" has continued to work well, from "The Honeymooners" in 1956 to the mega-hit "Cosby Show," from 1984-92. Still, others were ready to tip the form upside-down, with "All in the Family," "Roseanne" and "The Simpsons." The show also pauses for looks at shows falling somewhere in between, including "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Seinfeld."

"Damages," 8 p.m., FX. After last week's terrific season-opener, "Damages" pulls quick surprises. In its world of truth-twisting lawyers, nothing is certain. Last week, we learned that the FBI is working with Ellen, to catch her savvy boss Patty Hewes (Glenn Close). A fake court case was contrived. Patty, however, has been distracted. An old acquaintance (William Hurt) was threatening to reveal damaging research information; then his wife was killed. Now come the new twists, including an intriguing corporate lawyer (Marcia Gay Harden). Keep an eye on her — and on the guy Ellen met at a victims' support session. This could be a great season.

OF NOTE

"Lost," 7 p.m., ABC. This season has a terrific, two-hour opener next Wednesday. First, we can catch up with the end of last season. There's the struggle between the island people and the ones who just arrived by freighter, ostensibly to rescue them. And there are flash-forwards to a perplexing future for six people who escape.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Here's a second two-hour burst of auditions. Next week, this trims to an hour.

"Spectacle," 7 p.m., Sundance. At 35, Rufus Wainwright is an immensely gifted singer-songwriter with prom-night looks. He is not, however, terribly articulate in this chat with Elvis Costello. There are a few great musical moments (including a closing one with his mom, folk singer Kate McGarrigle), plus some so-so conversation.

"13: Fear is Real," 8 p.m., CW. Last week, two people were buried alive; this time, two are in a room with rats. This is turning nasty.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 8 p.m., NBC. James Brolin plays someone asked to help investigate the death of a fellow astronaut.

"CSI:NY," 9 p.m., CBS. The fight for a bridal-shop dress turns deadly.