Watch it

“Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC). Series premiere. This “Office”-style mockumentary on the various branches of a dysfunctional family is drawing critical raves as the best new comedy of the year, and even comparisons to “Arrested Development.” Could it really be that good? Only one way to find out. Ed O’Neill (“Married With Children”) and Julie Bowen (“Ed”) star. I’m looking forward to this one, and hope it lives up to the hype better than “Community.”

“Cougar Town” (9:30, ABC). Series premiere. Yeah, it’s a stupid name for a show, but it’s supposedly not half bad. Courtney Cox (“Friends”) stars as a 40-something single mom who’s back on the dating scene and on the prowl for younger dudes. The show’s creator is Bill Lawrence, who also did “Scrubs,” so there’s potential for some laughs here.

“Top Chef” (10 p.m., Bravo). Penn and Teller are the guest judges, and the cheftestants will try to serve up some culinary magic. Nice idea, but it was done about two months ago by “Top Chef Masters.” Weird timing.

Record it

“Glee” (9 p.m., Fox). I’m still trying to become a fan of this show. I like the snark and witty one-liners, but the anti-boy-band side of my brain keeps recoiling at most of the musical numbers. Tonight Kurt tries out for the football team. Gasps ensue.

“Destination Truth” (9 p.m., Syfy). The gang investigates King Tut’s supposedly cursed tomb, and then tries to track down a “swamp ape” (that’d be Bigfoot to you and me) in the Everglades. Kinda cheesy and overdramatic, but shows like this still give me goosebumps. It’s juuuust creepy enough.

“Man vs. Wild” (9 p.m., Discovery). A special behind-the-scenes look at the crew who accompany Bear Grylls on his adventures. Could be kinda illuminating, especially since the show got busted a few years ago for faking scenes.

Skip it

“Eastwick” (10 p.m., ABC). Series premiere. The show no one’s been waiting for, 22 years after the movie. Hey, at least it’s got Rebecca Romijn.