“America United: In Support of Our Troops” (9 p.m., ABC): In “America United: In

“America United: In Support of Our Troops” (9 p.m., ABC): In “America United: In Support of Our Troops,” the stars come out to salute the military with music and comedy. The list of talent includes Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson; Toby Keith, ZZ Top, D.L. Hughley, Carlos Mencia, Jessica Simpson, Clint Black, Kathy Griffin, Pamela Anderson and more.

“True Blood” (9 p.m., HBO): “Six Feet Under” creator Alan Ball goes from the dead to the undead in “True Blood.” It’s a drama series that imagines a world in which vampires coexist with humans, thanks to the development of a synthetic blood that keeps the fanged creatures from feasting on flesh. Still, it’s not always a peaceful co-existence. Anna Paquin stars.

“2008 MTV Video Music Awards” (9 p.m., MTV): British comedian Russell Brand hosts the “2008 MTV Video Music Awards” from Hollywood. Artists scheduled to perform include Travis Barker, DJ AM, Lupe Fiasco, the Jonas Brothers, Kid Rock, Lil Wayne, Paramore, Katy Perry, Pink, Rihanna, T.I., the Ting Tings and T-Pain. Olympic sensation Michael Phelps is among the presenters.

“Entourage” (10 p.m., HBO): The players of “Entourage” — usually the boys of summer — are back for an atypical fall berth. The Emmy-winning series hasn’t been around with new episodes for almost a year. But the story has only moved about six months ahead since we last saw these characters. Reeling from the disastrous screening of his art-house film “Medellin,” Vince (Adrian Grenier) retreats to a hideaway beach, where he’s just as fine not to be acting. He’s grown a beard and is being quite social with the ladies. But Vince hasn’t totally cut ties with the real world. He has best pal Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) at his side, most of the time. Back in Hollywood, Ari (Jeremy Piven) and Eric (Kevin Connolly) are fretting over the state of the MIA Vince’s career — or lack thereof. With few offers coming in, Vince seems to be headed toward a career tumble from which he cannot turn back. To save their friend’s acting career, Ari and Eric must set aside their differences. That’s not easy, and usually it’s Eric making compromises and enduring Ari’s acid tongue. Meanwhile, Drama (Kevin Dillon) has his own problems. His ego gets out of control at a picture shoot for his hit series, and his new French girlfriend is a little too demanding. Every night, they sit in front of their computer screens and make puppy eyes at each other. After four seasons of fame and glamour in Vince’s life, “Entourage” is starting to consider the reverse side — the downslide of a successful film star.

“Sandhogs” (10 p.m., History): Go underground for the newest tough-guys-working reality series. It’s not about spies, and the only thing covert is that after more than 150 years toiling deep beneath New York, these urban miners remain a secret to most city dwellers. “Sandhogs” gets down with these subterranean builders of water and sewage tunnels, subway systems and bridge footings as they labor in holes that reach as far into the ground as Manhattan skyscrapers go up. The sandhogs work in conditions so dangerous they lose an average of one man per mile, but exciting and essential projects will take them far into the future. Projects include Water Tunnel No. 3, the largest public works construction project in the city’s history. The project, which began in 1970, is scheduled for completion by 2013. Meanwhile, the so-called East Side Access project will provide Long Island Rail Road service daily to Grand Central Terminal for 160,000 customers who depend on Pennsylvania Station, on the opposite side of the city. If there’s light at the end of the tunnel, it’s thanks to the sandhogs. A new “American Originals” series, the 11-episode “Sandhogs” premieres on History tonight.