We've gotten used to certain series receiving publicity out of proportion to their ratings if their viewership skews young. 7th Heaven was always the most popular series on the WB, but never got the attention of Buffy or even Gilmore Girls, because those watching it were usually ten-and-under or forty-and-over. But even by those standards, the buzz for Gossip Girl is pretty extraordinary. The show is watched by teenage girls but apparently no one else, if the ratings are any indication. While it's true that Gossip Girl is heavily downloaded and (until recently) was frequently watched at the CW homepage, you have to wonder if this is a case of entertainment media assuming a hit before the viewers have had their say, and not wanting to let go of the illusion because the attractive cast makes good copy.

Tonight on the show (CW, 8 p.m.), we get the long-awaited revelation that one of the characters is gay, and a continuation of the Blair/Jenny battle, with both using Gossip Girl as their mouthpiece. Also, newcomer Georgina tells Serena that she's ready to go public with some damaging info. It would be the talk of the water coolers tomorrow, if 12 year-old girls hung out at water coolers.

Bones (Fox, 8 p.m.): Brennan's father (Ryan O'Neal) is on trial for murder, and most of her colleagues end up as prosecution witnesses. After work happy hour is going to be a little more awkward than usual.

Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 8 p.m.): Can Cristian de la Fuente possibly get it done with his widely publicized injury -- or conversely, will sympathy pull him through even if he's not quite up to snuff? The final five perform one Latin dance and a ballroom dance tonight.

Greek (ABC Family, 8 p.m.): It's Parents Weekend! Rusty worries what his folks will think about his new friends, and Rebecca becomes angry when she finds out her dad hasn't been honest with her.

Little People, Big World (TLC, 8 and 8:30 p.m.): At 8, Amy socializes with students prior to giving her speech at the college. At 8:30, the rest of the Roloffs start to wonder when their home remodeling will ever be done, or if Matt can even come up with the money to finish. Hint hint, TLC!

The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.): Sheldon's twin sister turns out to be cute enough that all the guys want their shot with her, but Sheldon says he'll choose on her behalf.

Curb Appeal (HGTV, 8:30 p.m.): Giving a hillside bungalow a nice exterior makeover.

How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 8:30 p.m.): Stella gets upset when Ted spills one of her secrets to the gang. So is Stella "the one" or not? Hey, I'm just thankful they still have Britney-free episodes once in a while.

American Experience (PBS, 9 p.m.): This series has presented a full-scale look at every president since Franklin Roosevelt (although I think they missed Ford -- not that there was a lot to say about those years; take it from someone who lived through them). Tonight, it's the turn of George H.W. Bush, who seems likely to go down as the greatest president in his immediate family.

Dirty Jobs (Discovery, 9 p.m.): Mike learns about erosion control in California and performs maintenance on the tram that hovers above Palm Springs.

Flavor of Love 3 (VH1, 9 p.m.): The final three head to Cannes, and someone else will be canned by the end of the hour.

House (Fox, 9 p.m.): While watching his favorite soap, House discovers that its star (Jason Lewis) has serious symptoms, but the actor blows him off. Also, Cuddy worries over a pending inspection, and House believes Wilson and Amber are coming apart.

Jon & Kate Plus 8 (TLC, 9 p.m.): Kate makes a chart to show the octet how they can help Mommy around the house. Good luck with that one.

One Tree Hill (Fox, 9 p.m.): Mouth gets his opportunity in front of the camera ... shudder. Also, Lucas wonders if Dan is really as sick as he lets on, and Peyton deals with her guilt over Lucas' relationship ending.

Paradise Hotel 2 (MNTV, 9 p.m.; Fox Reality 1 a.m.): Stephanie questions her position; James gives his alliance with Tidisha another shot.

Two and a Half Men (CBS, 9 p.m.): Someone is dead at Charlie's house. Sounds like a case for the CSI folks, which is a happy coincidence since their writers were behind this episode as part of a crossover between the two series' writing staffs.

Wildfire (ABC Family, 9 p.m.): Junior and Matt fight during a search for missing guests; Dani's new horse is readied for its race.

Samantha Who? (ABC, 9:30 p.m.): Sam continues her affair with Todd while his girlfriend remains unaware; Dena and Andrea consider going into business together.

The Rules of Engagement (CBS, 9:30 p.m.): Russell's father is making a promotional video and wants Adam to play the part of his son, instead of using his actual son. The good news is that Thanksgiving is a long way off, and all may be forgiven by then.

CSI: Miami (CBS, 10 p.m.): The families of the CSIs are in continual trouble this season: now Alexx's son becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Khandi Alexander is leaving the series, and this hour may explain how that comes about.

Medium (NBC, 10 p.m.): You knew they wouldn't have cast Kelly Preston as Joe's money woman if there wasn't going to be sexual tension eventually. Also, Alison's visions regarding the death of a drug dealer lead her and Scanlon to a man living with a bullet in his head.

Miss Rap Supreme (VH1, 10 p.m.): OK, it's been a long time since Boyz N the Hood, but shouldn't John Singleton have something in the works other than appearing on this show? He gives the remaining seven acting tips, and there's a dance competition as well. Woman does not live by rap alone, apparently.

The Bachelor: London Calling (ABC, 10 p.m.): It's the "women tell all" episode, which usually has at least one emotional 18-car pileup in the mix. Matt will show up to defend himself and probably look weaselly through no fault of his own.

The Hills (MTV, 10 p.m.): A positive development on The Hills is the recent prominence of Lauren's old friend Lo, who looks to be back in the picture full-time now. Lo is a rarity in this show's universe for seeming to be genuinely witty, even smart -- although considering the competition, that's a little bit like being the tallest of the seven dwarfs. Tonight, Spencer is on the outs with both his girlfriend and his sister. Sounds like a true feel-good episode.

Verminators (Discovery, 10 p.m.): Even the mansions in Hollywood have rats. I can't get away from them even writing this! Also, killer bees at a day care center. I think Valerie Bertinelli was in that movie.

The Paper (MTV, 10:30 p.m.): The staff comes up on deadline, always a fun time in any writer's life. I'd say more here, but I'm past mine.

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