“Dateline” (9 p.m.) celebrates its 10th anniversary tonight with a glance back at the biggest stories of the past decade, as well as its many consumer segments, celebrity profiles and exposes.

No “Dateline” retrospective would be complete without admission of its biggest blunder, a “hidden camera” film clip of an exploding GMC truck that was actually staged by the show’s producers in 1992. The series more than rebounded from this embarrassment and has received 28 Emmys and two George Foster Peabody Awards.

Five years into its run, “Dateline” and news magazine shows seemed to be multiplying like kudzu and taking over the television schedule. At one point, “Dateline” appeared five times a week. Of course that was before the proliferation of game and “reality” shows. Now down to two broadcasts per week, “Dateline” has endured, even thrives, as “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and too many “reality” shows to mention have declined or disappeared. I would not be surprised to see “Dateline” celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012.

Bill Moyers is host to “America’s First River: Moyers on the Hudson” (8 p.m., PBS) a four-hour, two-part appreciation of the Hudson’s vital role in our nation’s cultural, economic and political development. Before Henry Hudson arrived in New York harbor, American Indians called the Hudson Muhheakkunnuk, “the river that flows both ways.” Moyers expands on this concept and discusses the 315-mile long river as a metaphor for the ongoing conflict between people who treasure nature and those who see natural resources as something to be merely exploited.

Tonight’s installment explores the Hudson’s role as a muse to America’s earliest painters and authors. Thomas Cole and Washington Irving immortalized the river, even as it was becoming a vital engine for economic development. The completion of the Erie Canal, which allowed products to be shipped from the Great Lakes to New York City, enriched many Hudson valley cities and towns and earned New York its reputation as the Empire State. Tomorrow night’s segment, “The Fight to Save the River,” looks at the 20th century environmental efforts that resulted in national legislation to stem water pollution.

There goes the neighborhood! “City Slickers” (7 p.m., Animal Planet) introduces us to the remarkable residents of the suburban South African town of Boulder. The people of Boulder gladly share their beautiful beaches, back yards and swimming pools with an invading army of penguins. In addition to a cute profile of two comfortable suburban birds named Henry and Margo, “Slickers” shows the devastating results of an oil spill off Cape Town. Even Boulder’s most ardent penguin haters participated in the largest seabird rescue effort in history. Miraculously, only 300 penguins perished.

Tonight’s other highlights

On two episodes of “Frasier” (NBC), Lilith’s con man brother (Michael Keaton) arrives (7 p.m.), Dr. Crane faces a panel of precocious teens (8 p.m.).

Edward becomes too involved with Rory’s school project on “Gilmore Girls” (7 p.m.).

Kim must prove her innocence to police on “24” (8 p.m., Fox).

The Rock hosts “The Real Scorpion King” (8 p.m., History) a two-hour combination of Egyptian archaeology and 21st century movie promotion.

Maxine collapses from nervous exhaustion on “Judging Amy” (9 p.m., CBS).

Mackey and Vendrell use blunt force as they hunt down a white serial killer who has targeted Hispanics on “The Shield” (9 p.m.).

Cult choice

Ally Sheedy, Heather Matarazzo and Eric Stoltz star in the gripping 1999 television drama “Outrage in Glen Ridge” (8 p.m., Lifetime), based on the true story of popular high school jocks who sexually abused a mentally challenged classmate.