John Langley, the creator and producer of “Cops,” now presents “Jail” (8 p.m., My Network). And I can only say, “What took you so long?” “Jail” is the logical spin-off of the documentary-style “Cops,” due to enter its 20th season later this month.

Like “Cops,” “Jail” is both depressing and irresistible. And after 20 years, the makers of “Jail” know they don’t have to sugarcoat things to attract a rubbernecking audience.

In the opening moments, a bleary and belligerent “guest” wets his pants. Then he becomes engaged in a fistfight with a seriously inebriated fellow, who winds up punching a female guard in the face.

And that guy had only been passing through town. “He’s gone from vacation,” observes one jailhouse wag, “to probation.”

Like “Cops,” this show takes a sympathetic look at law-enforcement professionals, portraying them as hardworking and decent people just trying to get through the day with a sense of humanity and humor intact.

Comic relief arrives in the form of two regulars, a local drunk and his pal, an even more sozzled Russian immigrant. This last guest embraces his circumstances and his new country with appropriate gusto. “American jails,” he declares as if speaking from international experience, “are paradise!”

¢ Paul Newman narrates “Dale” (7 p.m., CMT), an authorized documentary biography of the late NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt. The film includes many home movies and racing footage and interviews with family members, loved ones, fellow drivers and rivals.

Made with the full cooperation of Earnhardt’s business partner, Richard Childress, and Earnhardt’s family and corporation, “Dale” often implies that the man was not entirely easy to love. How else do you get the name “The Intimidator”?

But, as “Dale” makes clear, it was these very faults that made him all the more appealing to his fans.

¢ The series “The Universe” (7 p.m., History) concludes with “Beyond the Big Bang,” a two-hour discussion of the origins of this theory using high-definition animation to present a play-by-play recreation of the first seconds of our universe.

¢ TV-themed DVDs available today include “Gumby Essentials,” an anthology of favorite “Gumby Show” episodes from the 1950s, 1960s and 1980s. Catch the original green celebrity with his faithful sidekick, Pokey.

Bonus features include a remastered version of the pilot episode, “Gumby on the Moon,” as well as creator Art Clokey’s extended 1953 theatrical short, “Gumbasia.”

Tonight’s other highlights

• “Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m., Family) enters a second season.
• Contestants from the first three seasons face the scale on “The Biggest Loser” (8 p.m., NBC).
• A paparazzi needs help on “House” (8 p.m., Fox).
• Internet images explained on “i-Caught” (8 p.m., ABC).
• “Brazil in Black and White” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) on “Wide Angle” examines the introduction of American-inspired racial quotas into a diverse society.
• “Secrets of the Crocodile” (8 p.m., Animal Planet) offers never-before-seen footage of the late Steve Irwin.
• An invisibility project causes concern on “Eureka” (8 p.m., Sci Fi).
• An arms dealer pursued on “NCIS” (9 p.m., CBS).
• A woman’s death may be linked to terrorists on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC).
• Scheduled on “Primetime” (9 p.m., ABC): crime.
• Immigrant garment workers challenge conditions in Hollywood’s fashion industry in the film “Made in LA” on “P.O.V.” (9 p.m., PBS, check local listings).
• Frobisher (Ted Danson) pursues an unorthodox strategy on “Damages” (9 p.m., FX).