“Frontline” (8 p.m., PBS) presents “The Age of AIDS,” a four-hour, two-night look at one of the worst pandemics in recent history – the medical, social and political ramifications of the disease, and its discovery, spread and treatment.

It may come as a shock to some that the AIDS story is now a quarter-century old. At the same time, it seems as though a whole generation has passed since AIDS was both a complete medical mystery and a near-certain death sentence.

“AIDS” takes a thorough chronological approach starting in June 1981, when the first instances of pneumonia, body sores and the rapid deterioration and deaths of young gay men were reported in a weekly medical and morbidity report. Suddenly, doctors all over America were seeing similar symptoms.

The story continues with breathtaking speed as reports of the disease come in from around the world and then from within the hemophiliac community, a population heavily dependent on frequent blood transfusions.

In addition to its medical detective story, “AIDS” chronicles the political earthquake triggered by the epidemic as scientists met resistance both from gay activists and religious moralists.

“The Age of AIDS” is an astounding piece of work. It presents history – and recent history at that – like a breaking-news story.

“Rescue Me” (9 p.m., FX) returns for its third season, with Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary) still talking to ghosts and mourning the loss of his son and the dissolution of his marriage. His uncle is in prison for carrying out Tommy’s plan to kill the drunk driver who killed his son.

Can you believe this is one of the funniest shows on television?

Leary has a gift for blending dark humor, pathos and absurdity. As season three begins, Tommy’s squad of “smoke-eaters” must follow the mayor’s edict and make their workplace cigarette-free. Tommy’s godson has a dalliance with an authority figure, and Tommy’s wife assumes a curious new negotiating position in the divorce proceedings.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ A stolen-car chop shop yields gruesome remains on “NCIS” (7 p.m., CBS).

¢ Anthony Clark (“Yes, Dear”) hosts the third season of “Last Comic Standing” (7 p.m., NBC). This year, for the first time, America will get to choose the winner.

¢ Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson star in the 2003 action comedy “Shanghai Knights” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ A mission to recover a fallen space probe yields an added bonus on “The Unit” (8 p.m., CBS).