Tonight, viewers can witness the opening of one of the year’s premiere TV events, as well as the probable end to a critically acclaimed and innovative comedy – albeit one that has been more loved and admired than watched.

Justine Bateman and Judge Reinhold guest star on the two-hour third-season finale of “Arrested Development” (8 p.m., Fox). While this is being billed as a season – and not a series – ender, the chances of “Arrested” returning to the Fox lineup remain somewhere between slim and nonexistent.

A rumor that Showtime would pick up the show produced by Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment gave fans some hope of a fourth season. And some felt that the quirky comedy would be a perfect fit for the premium network’s provocative schedule. But the recent TV critic’s tour came and went without a peep from Showtime about getting “Arrested.”

The critical and popular response to a show as offbeat as “Arrested Development” clearly helped make shows like “My Name is Earl” and “Crumbs” possible.

l Bob Costas returns to host the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (8 p.m., NBC) from Turin, Italy. He’ll be joined by nightly news anchor Brian Williams. Look for the smarty-pants Costas to keep the fact-boiler stoked.

Look for plenty of emotional stories about athletes and their proud and tearful families.

If you’re confused about the hundreds of events, you’re not alone. You can stay on top of scheduled meets, get results, read Turin-based blogs, and even e-mail questions and comments to athletes on www.nbcolympics.com.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Orphan spirits find solace on “Ghost Whisperer” (8 p.m., CBS).

¢ Jesse Bradford and Erika Christensen star in the chlorine-soaked teenage-angst drama “Swimfan” (8 p.m., WB).

¢ Two rebellious Rottweilers and an incorrigible corgi get their day with “The Dog Whisperer” (8 p.m., National Geographic).

¢ An informant may be linked to a fringe group’s bank robbery spree on “In Justice” (9 p.m., ABC).

¢ A celebrity shutterbug snaps his last picture on “Numb3rs” (10 p.m., CBS).

¢ A hostage crisis on “Battlestar Galactica” (10 p.m., Sci Fi).