Tonight's TV Hot List: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009

V
8/7c ABC
Fans of the 1983 miniseries about extraterrestrials who visit Earth under false pretenses can fondly recall hero Marc Singer, hottie-baddie Jane Badler and a pre-Freddy Krueger Robert Englund paying his dues. So what does the reboot have going for it? Genre vet Morena Baccarin (Firefly; Stargate SG-1) takes the pretty-villain role whilst Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost) and Joel Gretsch (The 4400) develop a case of scrutiny for the alien visitors. — Michael Chant
Biggest Loser
8/7c NBC
The Biggest Loser gang hit the road for a challenge-packed trip to Washington, D.C. First up, the players gather volunteers for a large-scale workout led by Bob and Jillian at the Washington Monument. Then they meet with U.S. senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Bob Casey to discuss health education before heading out for another challenge involving the city's landmarks. After that, they prepare a fresh salad at the White House with chefs Sam Kass and Cristeta Comerford. But the attention quickly shifts back to the game when it's time to weigh in on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. — Brie Hearn
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
9/8c HBO
A year ago, the U.S. chose the first African-American president, Barack Obama, in its history. As the nation goes to the polls again today, this 2009 documentary is a comprehensive reminder of his two-year journey to the White House, from a contentious primary season to Election Day 2008. Directed by Amy Rice and Alicia Sams, and produced by Edward Norton, the film shows scenes you never saw on the news, and captures candid commentary from campaign insiders such as David Axelrod and David Plouffe. — Joe Friedrich
NCIS
8/7c CBS
Since the season began for TV's highest-rated show, it seems that cases have been bringing the team members face-to-face with their past. Tonight Gibbs reunites with his former mentor, Mike Franks (Muse Watson), while investigating the murders of two mercenaries. — Bill Ecklund
Kathy Griffin: Balls of Steel
9/8c Bravo
D-list jokester Kathy Griffin gets dissin' and dishin' in her new stand-up special. She takes the San Diego Civic Theatre by storm, offering tart-tongued observations, recalling a guest turn she endured on The View and riffing on her experience at the Teen Choice Awards with her date, Levi Johnston. But Kathy is most known for striking verbal blows against celebrities, and she rides roughshod over an assortment here. In her crosshairs: Barbara Walters, Jon and Kate Gosselin, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus. — Dean Maurer