What would indie rockers do without the pre-kindergarten set? Nickelodeon has long employed former rockers to provide the music for animated fare. Former Devo member Mark Mothersbaugh has been the most notable contributor to this genre. Some years back, a compilation album of “Powerpuff Girls” tribute songs by an eclectic mix of musicians topped the college and the kids’ charts at the very same time.

Today, or rather this morning, marks the simulcast debut of “Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m., Nickelodeon and Noggin). Aimed at preschoolers, this program will feature hip-hop performer Biz Markie in a recurring role and music by Mothersbaugh, as well as the Shins, the Aquabats, Paco and Tony Goddess. Elijah Wood will appear on the debut broadcast.

¢ The British series “Top Gear” (7 p.m., BBC America) defies easy description and categorization. It’s a talk show about cars with a studio audience, but much of the show takes place out on the road, or in the shop or at a driving range where celebrities past and present, major and minor are asked to compete in lap races using economy cars.

Witty and brutally opinionated, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May offer both praise and derision to cars under their scrutiny. This alone is a refreshing break from programs where corporate sponsorship and product placement set the pace. When one driver takes an economy convertible out for a spin, he’s too embarrassed to be seen, so he tests the car with a paper bag over his head. In the end, he just gives up and abandons it. “It’s not like anybody will steal it.”

The boys have fun tearing into a minivan and turning it into a convertible. Clarkson takes the wheels of an insanely overpowered Swedish car, the Koenigsegg CCX. He reports that a driver in the same model once received a speeding ticket in Texas for going 240 miles per hour!

But the funniest parts of this amusing show are the speed trials, where you are likely to see Ewan McGregor burning rubber in a low-priced Chevrolet. The debut episode features a turn by former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman. After his modest trial, he takes command of a ratty, seemingly garbage-picked toy electric piano and plays a funeral dirge for his competition.

Tonight’s other highlights

• Brad Garrett hosts “TV’s Funniest Moments” (7 p.m., Fox).
• The Indianapolis Colts play the Chicago Bears in preseason NFL action (7 p.m., ESPN).
• “History Detectives” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) examines stories related to a letter from Red Cloud, a vintage roadster and a cast-iron eagle.
• Homecoming worries on “Heroes” (7 p.m., NBC).
• Frances Sternhagen and Barry Corbin guest star on “The Closer” (8 p.m., TNT).
• “No Reservations” (9 p.m., Travel) sails to French Polynesia.
• The case of a kidnapped bull statue on “Saving Grace” (9 p.m., TNT).

Late night

Tommy Thompson is scheduled on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” (10 p.m., Comedy Central) … Jeff Goldblum, Hayden Panettiere and the New Pornographers appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts John Travolta, Tony Dungy and the Neville Brothers on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC) … Adam Brody, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Sean Kingston appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:05 p.m., ABC) … Lindsay Lohan, Larry the Cable Guy and Stephen Marley on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (11:35 p.m., NBC) … Craig Ferguson hosts Tony Danza and Jeremy Fisher on “The Late, Late Show” (11:37 p.m., CBS).