Reality television takes to the high seas with the six-hour, three part miniseries “The Ship” (8 p.m., History), airing nightly through Wednesday. Equal parts “Survivor” and “Mutiny on the Bounty,” this exciting docudrama features 40 volunteers and a crew of 15 professional sailors as they re-create the 1768 voyage of Captain James Cook. Sailing on an exact replica of Cook’s ship, the Endeavor, the team will work, sleep, eat, bathe and go to the commode just as sailors did during the 18th century. That means sleeping in hammocks in crowded rooms, eating a steady diet of salt pork and hard tack, and mastering the difficult and dangerous task of climbing the ship’s rigging to unfurl its enormous sails.

Over the course of the new Endeavor’s 43-day voyage back to the 1760s, the crew also faced some very 21st-century problems. Two weeks into the trip, one volunteer faced a medical emergency, and another decided to abandon ship. Current events intruded again, when the crew learned of the Sept. 11 attacks on America. Later, anti-American riots in Jakarta forced the Endeavor to change its final destination to Bali, where the former landlubbers celebrated their maiden voyage into history.

Combining human drama with informative history lessons about Cook’s voyage, his discovery of Australia and that event’s affect on the aboriginal natives, “The Ship” is both smart and entertaining television.

The new eight-part series “Dog Days” (9 p.m., Animal Planet) explores the curious relationships between high-strung New Yorkers and their four-legged friends. This decidedly tongue-in-cheek show profiles some pretty flighty characters as they pamper their pooches at expensive spas, interview dog-sitters and hire party planners for a canine birthday party. While the dogs provide comic relief, many of the Manhattanites profiled here are more pathetic than amusing.

Everybody knew that “American Idol” contestant Tamyra Gray would get her day in the spotlight. Last week, Fox announced that the 23-year-old singer will make her acting debut on “Boston Public” on an episode to air in February 2003. “Boston Public” will begin its third season next Monday.

“Mugshots: Mike Tyson” (9 p.m., Court TV) profiles the violent and mercurial boxer. Journalist Pete Hamill, boxer Jose Torres and former Tyson trainers and managers offer their insights into Tyson’s rapid rise to the top of the boxing game and the self-destructive behavior that ended his career and sent him to prison.

Jim Belushi appears on “Second City Presents … With Bill Zehme” (8 p.m., Bravo) a new talk show where comedians can discuss their craft and careers. Future guests will include Martin Short, Joan Rivers, Tracey Ullman, Jon Lovitz and Molly Shannon.

Tonight’s other highlights

If necessary, the Cardinals and Giants will meet in game five of the National League Championship Series. Otherwise, Fox will air repeat episodes of “Firefly” (7 p.m.) and “Fastlane” (8 p.m.).

While under anesthesia, Eric has visions of Elvis and sings like the King on “7th Heaven” (7 p.m., WB).

A two-hour episode of “Biography” (7 p.m., A&E) profiles James Dean.

Ray reassesses his idea of fun on “Everybody Loves Raymond” (8 p.m., CBS).

Seattle plays San Francisco on “Monday Night Football” (8 p.m., ABC).

Police discover two mangled bodies on the beach on “CSI: Miami” (9 p.m., CBS).

Series notes

Doug returns to the gridiron on “King of Queens” (7 p.m., CBS) … Joe Rogan is the host of “Fear Factor” (7 p.m., NBC) … Drew’s mom sets him up on a date on “The Drew Carey Show” (7 p.m., ABC) … Parking problems on “The Parkers” (7 p.m., UPN).