Series
On the new drama Boston Public (8 p.m., Fox), the kids are animals, the parents are whiners and the teachers can barely cope. It's high school according to David E. Kelley. Be afraid, be very afraid. With Chi McBride, Anthony Heald, Jessalyn Gilsig and the return of Fyvush Finkel. On The King of Queens (8 p.m., CBS), Carrie decides to go back to college and Doug's sis (Ricki Lake) comes to visit. Ally McBeal (9 p.m., Fox) begins its new season. Robert Downey Jr. has his first post-slammer gig, joining the cast as Ally's new therapist. On Everybody Loves Raymond (9 p.m., CBS), Ray faces every parent's worst nightmare: The pet hamster has gotten loose. Roswell (9 p.m., WB) is in flashback mode as Michael researches what the locals know about the alleged 1947 alien spacecraft crash that put the town on the map. Cast members play key figures in the retelling. 20/20 Downtown (10 p.m., ABC) has a hard-hitting report on Anna Nicole Smith's legal battle to keep her late husband's fortune.
Specials
The two-part miniseries Balzac: A Life of Passion (8 p.m., Bravo) stars Gerard Depardieu, Jeanne Moreau, Fanny Ardant and Virna Lisi in the story of the French writer's life and loves. Ooh la la!
Sports
Football:
Dolphins at Jets (9 p.m., ABC)
Talk
Rosie O'Donnell (syndicated) Laurence Fishburne, Billy Campbell
David Letterman (CBS) Chris Rock, Emmylou Harris
Jay Leno (NBC) Jenna Elfman, Shawn Mullins
Politically Incorrect (ABC) Boy George, Jules Asner
Conan O'Brien (NBC) Sam Donaldson, Sebastian Bach (rerun)
All times Eastern unless noted.
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