Narrated by Larry Hagman, the six-part series “Sheer Dallas” (9 p.m., TLC) examines some of that city’s quirky and larger-than-life characters and their particular obsessions.

Among the more over-the-top personalities in this passion play are Carolyn Shamis, a well-preserved and flirtatious real estate agent who has a way of wowing and wooing well-heeled clients into purchasing her stable of steroid-enhanced McMansions.

Steve Kemble claims to be the Big D’s premier event planner. A fashion enthusiast who keeps his vast wardrobe warehoused at his local dry-cleaner, Steve’s face is frozen in a look of startled excitement that he maintains by surrounding himself with beauty and injecting his pores with Botox.

Perhaps it’s fitting that the first episode of “Sheer Dallas” should focus on the Salon Pompeo, a place where the hairstylists are considered celebrities. Billy Scoggins, well-known around town as the straight stylist, mercilessly kids his gay rival Lance Hooper about his weight. In a friendly wager, Billy agrees to ride a scooter down a crowded boulevard dressed in women’s clothing if Lance can lose 20 pounds in 30 days.

While Lance and Billy’s bet makes for some amusing television, “Sheer” loses focus early. You begin to wonder just what this all has to do with Dallas. To me, the ruckus at the Salon Pompeo could have occurred in Any Mall, U.S.A.

Tonight’s other highlights

• Adam takes a hike and can’t be found on “Joan of Arcadia” (7 p.m., CBS).
• On back-to-back episodes of “Reba” (WB), Patrick Duffy (7:30 p.m.), and Dolly Parton (8 p.m.).
• Grisly cult murders on “Third Watch” (8 p.m., NBC).
• The prosecution of the shooter of an ex-cop proves more difficult than anticipated on “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” (9 p.m., NBC).
• Scheduled on “20/20” (9 p.m., ABC): an expose of strip clubs; an unvarnished look at tooth whitening.