Reality shows seem to break down into two categories: uplifting and degrading. ABC has had success with the former, turning the queen-for-a-day construction-site drama of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” into a key part of their successful Sunday night schedule.

The network clearly hopes that aspirations and good intentions also will carry the day on “The Scholar” (7 p.m., ABC), a new contest pitting 10 high school seniors with top grades but modest backgrounds against each other in a contest to win a free-ride scholarship to the elite university of their choice.

The tests will avoid the bug eating and goo spattering of shows like “Fear Factor” and buckle down with academic competitions that resemble classroom versions of “Jeopardy.” I found the organization of the challenges more convoluted than necessary, and slightly confusing to watch. And although we get to hear the questions and see which student wins, we don’t hear the correct answers. So, unlike “Jeopardy” or even “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” viewers are unlikely to learn anything or enjoy playing along with the smarty-pants.

This being a reality show and a collection of young people, some emphasis is placed on likes, dislikes, crushes and other social dynamics. We don’t know who will be “The Scholar,” but one thing is certain: A handsome, self-assured Memphis native, wastes no time in rubbing everybody the wrong way.

¢ Jesse James and his posse of gearheads attempt to turn a high-priced sports car into a flying machine on the first installment of the two-part season finale of “Monster Garage” (8 p.m., Discovery, concludes next Monday).

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ A casino operator finds his brash protege in bed with his daughter on the pilot episode of “Las Vegas” (8 p.m., NBC).

¢ A woman (Naomi Watts) tries to unravel the mystery of a videotape that kills its viewers in the 2002 shocker “The Ring” (8 p.m., ABC).

¢ Allison confuses a vision with a TV show on “Medium” (9 p.m., NBC).