The reality/variety stalwart “Dancing with the Stars” (7 p.m., ABC) returns for a sixth season. It’s difficult to judge a series before a single step or tumble has been taken, but the list of “talent” is always grist for whimsical speculation. Is Marlee Matlin the first Oscar winner to participate? You have to wonder whether the hip-swiveling Elvis would be proud that Priscilla Presley was part of this crowd.

At this point, I’m always looking for the jokers in the deck. These usually include klutzy guys of two varieties: the apparent loser who turns out to be a surprisingly suave survivor (the Jerry Springer model) and the two-left-feet competitor who makes a quick and welcome exit. Tucker Carlson comes to mind. There are at least three fellas in the running for these positions, including Adam Carolla, Steve Guttenberg and Penn Jillette.

It’s not always the guys who get the first heave-ho. The radiant model Paulina Porizkova made a very quick exit as well. She’s gone on to work as a guest judge on “America’s Top Model” and to prove that once you’ve entered the reality-television vortex, you’re in it for the long haul.

¢ Much has been made of the fact that the new “Bachelor” (8:30 p.m., ABC) is from London.

Matt Grant toils in London’s financial market and submits to a long and sober interview at the beginning of the proceedings. He speaks earnestly of finding true love and of a wake-up call he received when his father’s health took a bad turn. He complains that Hugh Grant’s shaggy hair and shambling ways have done a great disservice to the reputation of English gentlemen.

The introductory chat has all of the solemnity of a seminar in microeconomics. But it soon gives way to the arrival of limousines and giggles and 25 American girls squealing, “He’s hot.”

Tonight’s other highlights

¢Elizabeth takes a ghost whisperer for a client on “Canterbury’s Law” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ Fates are sealed on the season finale of “Kyle XY” (7 p.m., Family), featuring Ally Sheedy.

¢ Ian Wright explores domestic destinations on “America: The Wright Way” (7 p.m., Travel).

¢ A photographer’s killing recalls a similar slaying from the 19th century on “New Amsterdam” (8 p.m., Fox).

¢ Daniel Day-Lewis won his first Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of an Irishman who overcame hardships and handicaps in the 1989 drama “My Left Foot” (8 p.m., IFC).

¢ Horatio’s mother returns laden with money on “CSI: Miami” (9 p.m., CBS).

¢ Allison has a dark dream of a dentist’s demise on “Medium” (9 p.m., NBC).