When in doubt, blame the media. According to the “American Experience” (8 p.m., PBS) presentation “The Gold Rush,” the discovery of precious ore in California streambeds transformed that state and the nation in many profound ways. But what I did not realize is that the gold fever of the late 1840s was spread by the rise of the popular “penny press” newspapers that had emerged in that decade. Readers all over America were told of fabulous riches there for the taking. One paper featured advertisements for a gold ointment. People were told to rub it all over their bodies, roll down a hill and collect the gold that stuck to them. It was that quick and easy. So, by the thousands, farmers, blacksmiths, teachers and preachers decamped for California.

Would-be prospectors arrived from Chile and China, too, and soon Northern California became a melting pot of dreamers and toilers from around the globe. “Gold Rush” uses letters, period photos – make that daguerreotypes – and cinematic re-enactments to show how some became rich and some were ruined, and how this fleeting gold fever would result in permanent social changes. The quick influx of outsiders also whipped up xenophobia and resentment against American Indians.

Cities like San Francisco changed almost overnight, but at great costs. According to “Gold Rush,” more than 120,000 American Indians would be wiped out in the two decades following the discovery of riches. Historian James Rawls sums up the gold rush’s mixed legacy. “California entered the Union shining with gold, but also dripping with blood.”

¢ Brooks and Dunn are hosts of the 40th-annual CMA Awards (8 p.m., ABC), honoring the best in country music. “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood will perform. So will Sara Evans, who recently left the competition on “Dancing with the Stars.” Vince Gill, who was host of the CMA Awards show for 12 consecutive years, will appear, along with daughter Jenny Gill and wife Amy Grant.

¢ Michael tries to arrange a meeting with Sarah on “Prison Break” (7 p.m., Fox). Just wondering: If Michael is trying to stay inconspicuous, why is he driving a 1964 Rambler?

¢ Staffers take a field trip to rescue Tom (Nathan Corddry) from a Nevada jail on “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (9 p.m., NBC). Great. Viewers get to leave the claustrophobic atmosphere of the studio only to spend time in jail.

A filmmaker and activist decides to test the limits of free speech and racks up $1 million in FCC indecency fines in the process in the documentary “The F Word” (8 p.m., IFC).

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Jason Alexander appears on “Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m., CW).

¢ “Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m., PBS) recalls some of its best moments from the past 10 years.

¢ The Seahawks play host to the Raiders in NFL action (7:30 p.m., ESPN).

¢ Niki seeks consolation on “Heroes” (8 p.m., NBC).

¢ A private eye battles private demons in the four-part series “Vincent” (8 p.m., BBC America).

¢ A stunt driver loses his head on “CSI: Miami” (9 p.m., CBS).