The Office @ 9pm
Michael Scott's Scranton branch unlocks the office doors and opens up for a brand-new round of incisive mockumentary fun. In tonight's hourlong Season 5 opener, the Dunder Mifflin staffers participate in a weight-loss program, only to become overly consumed with shedding pounds. Here's the skinny on other goings-on: Michael, ever the privately lovelorn and lonely, works on building a friendship (and more?) with the new HR worker (Amy Ryan, returning from last season's finale). And then there's aspiring artist Pam, who attends art school in New York — leaving behind a pining Jim.
Grey's Anatomy @ 9pm
There has been some slippage as the fifth season opens, and the chief is hopping mad. Seattle Grace's national rankings have slipped. Adding insult to injury, local rival Mercy West is ranked higher. So let's see how the not-so-hot docs do on a cold, sleety night when a battered limo loaded with guest stars (Bernadette Peters, Mariette Hartley, Kathy Baker) arrive at the ER with bloody ball gowns and bloodier husbands. On the love front, Derek and Meredith are feeling their way (what else is new?), and Cristina might have a new fella, a macho military surgeon (Kevin McKidd) every bit as gruff as she is.
Ugly Betty @ 8pm
This show made headlines over the summer by announcing it was shifting its production to New York City, but where on earth was Betty going at the end of last season? Was it to Rome with Gio, to Tuscon with Henry or none of the above? We'll find out in tonight's third-season premiere, but one thing you can count on is that once Betty has satisfied her recent wanderlust, she's going to wake up in the city that never sleeps...and stay there.
ER @ 10pm
It's a bittersweet return for ER. Not only is the long-running show kicking off its 15th and final season, but fans may have to face the loss of a beloved series regular. Last we saw Abby (who was newly reunited with Luka), she was walking into the line of fire of an exploding ambulance that could have been carrying Pratt or Sam. Tonight, County's staff members deal with the aftermath of the blast, and we know they're at their best when treating one of their own. So grab your popcorn because this should be must-see TV.
