Prime choices

Britney Spears is back, British comedian Russell Brand ("Forgetting Sarah Marshall") will be on hand as host of the "2008 MTV Video Music Awards," and that means there will be plenty of good jokes made at her expense. (MTV, 9 p.m.)

Also, the premiere of Alan Ball's vampire drama "True Blood" and the return of "Entourage." (HBO,

9 and 10 p.m.)

MONDAY

Metal and mayhem are back. Find out what happened to the Turk and Cromartie when "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" (with Lena Headey) returns. (Fox, 8 p.m.)

Also, "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock." (ABC, 9 p.m.)

TUESDAY

"Fringe" is the latest from producer J.J. Abrams, he of "Lost" and "Alias." Bizarre phenomena strike yet again here -- but Abrams has promised that this one won't spin out of control. (Fox, 8 p.m.)

Also, the season finale of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" (ABC Family, 8 p.m) and the special "Fashion Rocks" (CBS, 9 p.m.).

WEDNESDAY

The underrated 1995-2000 sci-fi series "Sliders" proved that Jerry O'Connell (below) could be put to good use given good material. And that's haunted him ever since. Will Fox's hotel workplace comedy "Do Not Disturb" finally be the series that clicks? (Fox, 9:30 p.m.)

Also, the return of " 'Til Death" (minus the neighboring young couple). (Fox,

9 p.m.)

THURSDAY

Night 1 of Showtime's multicultural comedy showcase "Comics Without Borders" features the stand-up talents of Yoshi Obayashi and Kristeen Von Hagen. Expect the unexpected. (Showtime,

10 p.m.)

FRIDAY

Eva Longoria Parker hosts "The 2008 ALMA Awards," honoring Latinos in entertainment and featuring performances from Prince and Beyoncé -- neither is Latino, but hey, they both turn the heat up -- and appearances by Sheila E and Salma Hayek. (ABC, 8 p.m.)

Also, the season finales of "Monk" and "Psych." (USA, 9 and

10 p.m.)

SATURDAY

"Coco Chanel" stars Shirley MacLaine in the rags-to-riches story of the fashion icon, who in her later years set out to reestablish herself as a trendsetter. Some of the contestants on this year's flabby "Project Runway" could learn a thing or two, no doubt. (Lifetime 8 p.m.)