Fans of whimsical fish-out-of-water tales should enjoy the new series “Eureka” (8 p.m., Sci Fi). Combining elements of “Northern Exposure,” “Twin Peaks” and “The X Files,” “Eureka” stars Colin Ferguson as U.S. Marshall Jack Carter. While escorting his troubled teenage daughter back to Los Angeles, they run off the road in the picturesque Pacific Northwest town of Eureka. They have no idea that it’s really a supersecret government installation, established right after the Manhattan Project to create a haven for America’s geniuses and their children.

The result is some kind of MIT think tank run by the citizens of Mayberry. Joe Morton plays an amiable garage mechanic given to tinkering with the forces of nature. The skateboard kids of Eureka scribble mathematical graffiti, and the local sheriff has to clear everything with the Department of Defense.

For all of the secrecy, things are a lot more silly than sinister in “Eureka.” Ferguson has fun as the sensible everyman beset by weird science on all sides. Not to mention possible amorous overtures from an overly friendly bed-and-breakfast proprietor; odd, knowing glances from the Defense Department liaison; and karate chops from the curvaceous local deputy, who is separated by a century and several parallel dimensions from Barney Fife.

This is an interesting departure for the cable network that brought you the doom-laden political paranoia of “Battlestar Galactica.” And it’s an odd roll of the dice. Given current attitudes, “Eureka” is probably considered too quirky and odd for network television. But will Sci Fi’s core audience consider it too light?

¢ A bevy of would-be pop sensations share living quarters as they compete to take top honors on “The One: Making a Music Star” (8 p.m., ABC). Like “Deal or No Deal,” the “One” is a product of Endemol USA. The Spanish version of “The One” took that country by storm. Of course, that show didn’t have to compete with “Rock Star: Super Nova” (8 p.m., CBS) or “Last Comic Standing” (8 p.m., NBC).

¢ Speaking of reality redux, “The Contender” (9 p.m., ESPN), the boxing-competition series, returns for another season.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ On back-to-back episodes of “House” (Fox), a wife with fertility issues hides a painful secret (7 p.m.), a burn victim has special needs (8 p.m.).

¢ On back-to-back episodes of “Gilmore Girls” (WB), Rory throws a nostalgic theme party (7 p.m.), Edward’s words are misinterpreted (8 p.m.).

¢ “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (8 p.m., Bravo) wraps up its second season.

¢ Scheduled on “48 Hours Mystery” (9 p.m., CBS): forbidden love and murder.

¢ A young shooting witness commits a copycat crime on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC).

¢ News about Jerry’s job on “Rescue Me” (9 p.m., FX).

¢ A medieval-history buff with a passion for chain mail undergoes a makeover on “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (9 p.m., Bravo).