If you think Donald Trump is the world’s most shameless self-promoting showboat tycoon, you stand corrected. British billionaire and founder of Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic Airways and other enterprises Richard Branson has created, hosts and dominates the screen time of “The Rebel Billionaire: Branson’s Quest for the Best” (7 p.m., Fox).

Much like on “The Apprentice,” Branson has assembled a team of photogenic would-be business leaders from a pool of thousands of applicants — presumably from modeling schools. But while the Trump show tests contestants with business-world tasks, Branson dares his acolytes to compete in “Fear Factor”-like feats.

In the first hour, they are challenged to walk across a platform between two hot-air balloons floating thousands of feet above the English countryside. Then, two unlucky souls who failed in that high-wire act must climb a 150-foot rope ladder to the very top of the balloon to join Sir Richard for a tea party at 10,000 feet.

While some of the scenery is nice, one is left with the distinct impression that this has little or nothing to do with business training or acumen and everything to do with keeping Sir Richard’s impish mug on camera at all times.

• The Rev. Al Sharpton hosts “I Hate My Job” (8 p.m., Spike), an eight-part career “makeover” show. “Hate” dares men in dead-end or unfulfilling occupations to see if they have what it takes to pursue their dreams.

Eight contestants are broken into two teams on the streets of Hollywood, where they must cajole stores and vendors to give them the clothes that fit their new aspirations. If “Hate” proves anything, it’s that stores display a great deal of generosity to beggars accompanied by TV camera crews.

After dressing for their dream job, each man has to perform on stage before Rev. Sharpton and a career coach. At the end of each episode, the Rev gives the contestants a little talk that combines tough love, encouragement and the often-poetic eloquence of a practiced preacher. He really serves as a kind of Wizard of Oz to these men, showing at least some of them that they had the talent and power to follow their dream all along, and only needed a little push in the right direction.

Tonight’s other highlights

• Brooks & Dunn host the 38th annual Country Music Assn. Awards (7 p.m., CBS).
• Richard and Emily introduce Rory to a select circle on “Gilmore Girls” (7 p.m., WB).
• Kyle MacLachlan guest stars on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC).
• A commuter faces a knife-wielding assailant on “NYPD Blue” (9 p.m., ABC).

Late night

Salma Hayek and Jimmy Eat World appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts Wanda Sykes, Eddie Izzard and Live on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC).