North by Northwest 8 p.m., TCM Yes, the new season is in full swing this week. Shows are starting and returning and demanding your attention. But don’t forget about the old movies that air endlessly on cable and often provide satisfying escape. This fantastic Alfred Hitchcock thriller is both suspenseful and a spoof, plus it stars Cary Grant. Sometimes a classic is exactly what the TV doctor ordered, and sometimes a train beats flying.
NCIS: Los Angeles 9 p.m., Channel 4
Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J have some good chemistry on this new franchise series. The West Coast locations are lively. And Linda Hunt’s owl glasses? Fabulous. Now let’s see if the writers can keep the future crime plots from the ridiculousness on display in tonight’s premiere.
The Jay Leno Show 10 p.m., Channel 7
Pee-wee Herman and Jay Leno. Proceed at your own risk.
The Universe 9 p.m., History Channel
10 ways to destroy Earth. Don’t need to be coy, Roy.
The Biggest Loser 8 p.m., Channel 7
Kitchen boot camp. Run 60 laps around the island.
Melrose Place 9 p.m., Channel 56
Jonah and Riley fight. They can’t agree on who is nicer.
Sons of Anarchy 10 p.m., TNT
Gemma and Clay fight. They can’t agree on who is meaner.
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