Jerry Seinfeld appears on the second-season premiere of “Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg” (9 p.m., TV Land). Steinberg is no stranger to the talk-show circuit. A celebrated comedian’s comedian, he appeared on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” more than any other comic with the exception of Bob Hope.

A prolific director of TV commercials and sitcoms, Steinberg has earned Emmy Awards and Directors Guild Awards for his work on “Seinfeld,” “Mad About You,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and many other shows.

Rare among talk-show hosts, Steinberg is a great listener. And rarer still for a comic, he doesn’t infuse his talk show with prepackaged “bits.” As a result, he puts his guests and audience at ease, and something known as “conversation” usually follows.

Jerry Seinfeld opens up to Steinberg about his family and his relationship with his father, a businessman in the sign business. Steinberg even avoids obvious jokes about a Seinfeld in the sign business.

While a young Jerry Seinfeld felt compelled to be funny around his friends, he seemed embarrassed to make jokes around the house, particularly in front of his father, whom he considered a natural comic. So his parents were surprised when he announced that he would embark on a career in stand-up. After all, they had lived with him for 20-odd years, and he had never said or done anything remotely amusing. But within four years of this announcement, Seinfeld would make his debut on “The Tonight Show,” and he would be on his way.

Like professionals, the two men make it all seem natural. As Seinfeld observes, comedy is fun and easy only if you’re good at it. If you are not, stand-up can be the most unendurable profession in the world.

¢ They’ve promised us plenty of answers on tonight’s new episode of “Lost” (9 p.m., ABC). But I’m so confused that I’m not sure I even know the questions. But just because I’m baffled doesn’t mean I’m not entertained.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ A flashback to the day before the Day After reveals much about Jake and Hawkins on “Jericho” (7 p.m., CBS).

¢ Julie makes a stunning offer on “Friday Night Lights” (7 p.m., NBC).

¢ The top 12 female singers compete on “American Idol” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ A murderer strikes at construction sites on “Criminal Minds” (8 p.m., CBS).

¢ Allison has a dreadful vision of the future on “Medium” (9 p.m., NBC).