The caustic American journalist H.L. Mencken once said that “nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.” But can you go broke overestimating the cynicism of the American viewer? I am talking about the Fox network’s curious new reality series, “Joe Millionaire” (8 p.m.). Clearly inspired by the success of “The Bachelor,” “Joe” follows 20 women as they travel to France to vie for the hand of a handsome hunk they believe to be loaded. Only he knows, and we know, that he is a fraud.

Does Fox think that men will really care enough to watch these gold-diggers be humiliated week after week? “Joe Millionaire” might work as a one-time two-hour special, but I don’t see how this dubious exercise will hold an audience over seven hours.

And speaking of exercises in cynicism that last too darn long, PAX unveils its new game show, “Dirty Rotten Cheater” (7 p.m.). It’s a new variation on the standard quiz show, with one key difference: One of the contestants knows all of the answers in advance. It’s up to the others to detect the cheater and name him or her before they are eliminated. It’s amusing enough, but at an hour it makes the plodding “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” seem breezy.

The sitcom as we know it seems to be a dying art form. Evidence of its demise can be found on “Abby” (8:30 p.m., UPN), starring Sydney Tamiia Poitier in the title role. Abby is a bright, ambitious television producer for a San Francisco sports show who finds herself mired in a live-in relationship with Will, a self-absorbed jock (Kadeem Hardison). Abby and Will break up amicably in the first episode. So amicably, in fact, that Will won’t leave. Since they both have their names on the lease to their fabulous apartment, they resolve to remain platonic roommates.

Poitier and Hardison seem likable enough, but share neither romantic nor comedic chemistry. They’re not helped by predictable dialogue and plot. The network will have to search harder for material to dig itself out of the ratings cellar.

Tonight’s other highlights

Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, James Woods and Jamie Foxx star in director Oliver Stone’s 1999 drama “Any Given Sunday” (7 p.m., ABC).

Ally is embarrassed by her grandfather’s behavior on “Everybody Loves Raymond” (8 p.m., CBS).

“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m., PBS, check local listings) enters a new season with a trip to Albuquerque.

John Travolta is profiled on a two-hour episode of “Biography” (7 p.m., A&E).

A bloody fingerprint leads Horatio to a prostitute’s killer on “CSI: Miami” (9 p.m., CBS).

Series notes

Carrie thinks Doug needs therapy on “King of Queens” (7 p.m., CBS) … Joe Rogan plays host to “Fear Factor” (7 p.m., NBC) … Guber frets about Marcie’s cranky mood on “Boston Public” (7 p.m., Fox) … Annie balks at Eric’s purple prose on “7th Heaven” (7 p.m., WB)

Doc takes time to train a rookie (Eve) on “Third Watch” (8 p.m., NBC) … Garret’s rival and frequent critic becomes a murder suspect on “Crossing Jordan” (9 p.m., NBC).