Last summer, when Fox announced plans to move “The O.C.” (7 p.m., Fox) to Thursday nights, many considered the idea brave, foolhardy or both. After all, Fox was using one of its more buzz-worthy franchises to tackle both “Survivor” (7 p.m., CBS) and “Joey” (7 p.m., NBC).

But perhaps the folks at Fox were prescient. “Joey” has failed to catch fire, and “Survivor,” while still a ratings champ, has entered a creative swoon from which it may never recover. Last season the popular reality show depended on the familiar faces of the All-Stars, and this season it has cast a group of look-alikes so bereft of distinctive personalities that it’s difficult to follow, or care, about the show.

“The O.C.” picks up from last year’s thread, with brooding Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie) working a construction job in his hometown to support his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Theresa (Navi Rawat). The dorky and opinionated Seth (Adam Brody) has flown the coop because his parents, Sandy (Peter Gallagher) and Kirsten (Kelly Rowan), let Ryan leave the house.

Meanwhile, Ryan’s once and possibly future love interest, Marissa (Mischa Barton), consoles herself poolside, drinking too much and well before noon, yet.

Tonight’s other highlights

• A friend’s (Kristine Davis) life seems strangely familiar on “Will & Grace” (7:30 p.m., NBC).
• Kidnappers strike on “CSI” (8 p.m., CBS).
• Four fired contestants return on “The Apprentice” (8 p.m., NBC).
• Alexandra takes charge on “North Shore” (8 p.m., Fox).
• A missing person may have had second thoughts about a crooked enterprise on “Without a Trace” (9 p.m., CBS).
• Neela returns on “ER” (9 p.m., NBC).
• Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman chronicle their 20,0000 mile motorcycle trip on “Long Way Round” (9 p.m., Bravo).