ABC deserves much credit for giving “Lost” (7 p.m., ABC) a chance. I hope enough viewers do the same so we can see enough episodes to at least try to figure out this compelling, well-produced series that layers mysteries and jolting surprises.

All we know is that “Lost” begins in the minutes and hours after a passenger jet crashes on a remote Pacific island. Only 48 passengers survive, and, this being television, most of them are young, strong and good-looking. Jack (Matthew Fox), a trained physician, takes charge, aided by the fetching Kate (Evangeline Lilly) and hefty Hurley (Jorge Garcia).

We quickly discover the fact that the stranded vacationers share the island with dangerous creatures. A cynic could easily dismiss the show as “Survivors Cast Away on Monster Island,” but “Lost” is smarter than that. Scenes unfold slowly. The dialogue is credible. And flashbacks reveal that nobody is exactly who you initially think they are. That’s enough to keep me coming for more chances to get “Lost.”

Tonight’s other highlights

• Gary Sinise and Melina Kanakaredes star in the spin-off “CSI: New York” (9 p.m., CBS).
• On back-to-back episodes of “Law & Order” (NBC), Dennis Farina joins the cast (8 p.m.), a Ferry crash (9 p.m.).
• The ladies choose between two rose-bestowing suitors on the premiere of a new season of “The Bachelor” (8 p.m., ABC).

Late night

Kelly Ripa and Elvis Costello appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts Jimmy Fallon and Ashlee Simpson on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC) … John C. Reilly and Sherri Shepherd appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:05 p.m., ABC).