Critic's corner

The 42nd Annual CMA Awards 8 p.m., Channel 5

Awards shows are more meaningless than ever these days, except as variety-show-like opportunities to see the stars sing and dance and promote their latest. The culture of kudos is no longer very special, unless the public is involved in the voting process (see under: "American Idol"). Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley (above) host this live event, which will revolve around performances by Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Brooks and Dunn, and the Eagles. People will win prizes, too.

Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work 8 p.m., Channel 2

You don't think the royals just sit around looking pretty all day long, do you? PBS' new Wednesday night documentary series begins with Elizabeth II's 2007 visit to the United States to attend a ceremony honoring the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Posing for all those official photos, dodging all the paparazzi, watching all those regular folks bow to you - it's hard work. Pictured (above): Queen Elizabeth II with President Bush.

Estate of Panic 10 p.m., Sci Fi

Contestants in a booby-trapped mansion. Horrorboarding.

Strangers on a Train 10 p.m., TCM

Guy and Bruno: The Unhappiest Gay Couple in All the World.

The World's Toughest Prisons 9 p.m., National Geographic

The head and the heart. Right?

Good Eats 8 p.m., Food Network

How to prevent dry turkey and avoid the Thanksgiving police.

Prototype This! 10 p.m., Discovery Channel

A backyard waterslide simulator. A hot tub with a green screen?