SPOTLIGHT

'V'

7 p.m. on ABC

The Visitors have arrived as ABC launches an exciting and involving remake of the 1980s science-fiction cult favorite. In the first of four episodes that will air as "a pod" this month (more are due later), alien spaceships hover over Earth's major cities as leaders of the Visitors (notably, Morena Baccarin as Anna) promise only peace and goodwill. Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet on "Lost") is a skeptical FBI agent, with Scott Wolf ("Party of Five") as a newscaster with personal gain in mind and Morris Chestnut as a financial adviser keeping a secret.


NEW TONIGHT

'Poliwood'

6:30 p.m. on Showtime

Barry Levinson directs a documentary looking at Hollywood and politics.


'By the People: The Election of Barack Obama'

8 p.m. on HBO

A documentary about Obama's campaign promises behind-the-scenes footage plus interviews with Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, senior campaign staff, volunteers, reporters, supporters and opponents.


'The Good Wife'

9 p.m. on CBS

Alicia agrees to a conjugal visit with Peter (Chris Noth) in prison, but only to get info from him on a case prosecuted when he was state's attorney.


'Tabatha's Salon Takeover'

9 p.m. on Bravo

Tabatha tries to save more salons as Season 2 begins.