If you don’t look at the calendar, you could swear it was fall sweeps. Or maybe 1997. A once common TV treat that has all but vanished from the broadcast calendar, the big-budget miniseries returns tonight with “The Pillars of the Earth” (9 p.m., Starz). Based on the first novel by Ken Follett and produced by Tony and Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions, the eight-part “Pillars” makes the most of a $40-million budget by using Eastern European locations to evoke 12th-century England.

A story too complex to describe here involves foundling children recovered by thieves, royal heirs lost at sea, rivalries for a contested crown, a pious monk, scheming bishop, a conniving would-be earl, a noble architect, a beautiful nurturing healer who may or may not be a witch and any number of dark castles, shabby abbeys, ruined Cathedrals and brooding forests.

An impressive cast includes Rufus Sewell (“The Illusionist”), Donald Sutherland (“Dirty Sexy Money”), Ian McShane (“Deadwood”), Matthew Macfadyen (“Robin Hood”), Eddie Redmayne (Broadway’s “Red”) and Alison Pil (“Milk”).

“Pillars” recalls network minis of old in more ways than one. Compared to Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” and Starz’s recent “Spartacus,” the quotient of ultra-violence remains rather low. There’s plenty of hacking, whacking and swordplay, but it doesn’t enhance the action with special effects. And you’ll have to wait at least an hour into the miniseries’ two-hour pilot before there’s even a hint of sex.

As you might expect with a story this sprawling and a cast so vast, the dialogue often leans heavily toward portentous explication. At its weakest, the script straddles the fine line between historical drama and soap opera.

But fans of old-fashioned miniseries will not be disappointed. There’s a reason both Hollywood and television made a habit of adopting really big books, from “Gone With the Wind” to “Roots” and “The Thorn Birds” and “The Da Vinci Code.” “Pillars of the Earth” has sold 14 million copies in more than 30 languages. If only a tiny fraction of those readers tune in, then Starz will be very happy. And call me old-fashioned, but it’s nice to see a movie or a mini based on a real book and not a video game, an old TV show or a theme-park ride.

“Pillars” reflects the new direction at Starz since the arrival of former HBO chief Chris Albrecht. Sadly, that new direction will not include the ensemble comedy “Party Down,” canceled after two seasons. Too bad. As Hollywood satires go, it was far funnier than “Entourage.”

• Shark-attack survivors compare evasive maneuvers on “Escaping The Great White” (8 p.m., National Geographic).

• Audrey and Nathan round up escaped patients from a facility where a doctor’s madness may have triggered an unforeseen reaction on “Haven” (9 p.m., Syfy).

Tonight’s other highlights

• David Beckham, Mickey Rourke, Jackie Chan and Roxy Music appear on “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” (5:30 p.m., BBC America).

• Social distractions leave the team unfocused on “Friday Night Lights” (7 p.m., NBC).

• Ron Livingstone stars in the 1999 comedy “Office Space” (7:30 p.m., IFC).

• Hidden cameras capture people faced with ethical dilemmas on “Primetime: What Would You Do?” (8 p.m., ABC).