You can defy death, but don’t cross Dad. That’s the lesson of “Life on a Wire” (9 p.m., Discovery), a new series set in the high-stakes world of acrobatics as practiced by the Wallenda family for seven generations.

In the pilot episode, young Nik plans to shatter several records by riding a bicycle and walking a remarkable distance between resort hotels — all on a high wire without a net. Most of “Wire” consists of the meticulous detail involved in planning these events.

As we’re shown, repeatedly, Nik’s Great-Grandfather Karl was killed in a similar stunt in 1978. This sad memory and natural generational tension lead Nik to spar frequently with his father, Terry.

Nobody can doubt that the Wallendas are true originals. But “Life on a Wire” borrows from many other reality series and echoes familiar themes and lessons. The science-based prep work is not unlike “MythBusters.” The battles between Nik and Terry would not be unfamiliar to fans of the Teutuls. At least pre-lawsuit.

“Wire” continues reality TV’s focus on tight, supportive and slightly suffocating families. The genre has seen its share of families crack under the pressure and glare of production and publicity. The above-mentioned Teutuls, the Hogans, the Gosselins and any number of “Real Housewife” siblings no longer on speaking terms are among the more notable casualties.

This theme of family as fate is not limited to reality fare. Scripted melodramas aimed at teens and tweens put great emphasis on secret, inescapable futures preordained by blood. In shows like “Vampire Diaries” and “The Nine Lives of Chloe King,” characters submit to dark destinies not of their choosing.

Is this teenage fatalism? Or a generation’s painful adjustment to lowered expectations?

In an earlier television age, even family-friendly Christmas stories celebrated the individual and free will. In “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Rudolph’s jock dad hated his son’s blinking crimson defect and wanted him to conform to the reindeer standard. But he soon learned that the kid’s very difference was key to his heroics. Even Rudolph’s pal Hermey the Elf got to abandon generations of toy-making and follow his dream to become a dentist. It’s a good thing he wasn’t born a Wallenda.

• Cat Deeley hosts the Critics’ Choice Television Awards (7 p.m., Reelz). As if anybody cares what critics think!

• Teams of familiar faces from “Real World” and other reality series compete on “The Challenge: Rivals” (9 p.m., MTV). Think of it as Battle of the Non-Network Stars!

Tonight’s other highlights

• The “MythBusters” (8 p.m., Discovery) put the realism of Hollywood fight scenes to the test.

• Two hours of competition on “America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m, NBC).

• “Primetime” (9 p.m., ABC) explores the remarkable connection between twins.

• Car dealers are observed on “Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m., TNT).

• Host Matt Iseman recalls the 10 filthiest home visits on “Clean House: Best of the Worst Messiest Home Moments” (9:30 p.m., Style).