Television

HIGHLIGHTS

= New Series

"Looking for a show to stave off 'ER' withdrawal? Have 'Mercy'; it's (you'll pardon the expression) strong medicine," The Post's Tom Shales says about "Mercy" (NBC at 8 p.m.), a medical drama that premieres Wednesday night, starring Taylor Schilling and Michelle Trachtenberg.

In a move to perhaps lift the spirits of the two eliminated couples on "Dancing With the Stars" (ABC at 8), the results show is filled with random entertainers, from singer Sean Kingston to a group of professional dancers performing a tribute to Patrick Swayze, who appeared on Season 1 of "DWTS" to help his friend John O'Hurley with dance lessons.

"The New Adventures of Old Christine" (CBS at 8) kicks off Season 5 with Christine and Matthew on a journey to the Bahamas to help Barb, after immigration officials put her in jail during the Richard-New Christine wedding in last season's finale.

Gary is thrilled to be offered a job at a radio station on the second-season premiere of "Gary Unmarried" (CBS at 8:30), but it takes him a while to realize he's been hired to paint the building, not as a broadcaster.

"Modern Family" (ABC at 9), about really dysfunctional relatives, is previewed by Tom Shales on Page C1.

Hotch goes missing as the gang on Season 5 opener of "Criminal Minds" (CBS at 9) is distracted while profiling a killer who's after an ER doctor.

TV Land celebrates the 25th anniversary of "The Cosby Show" with a string of episodes from 9 to midnight, starting with the series pilot.

Martha Stewart's daughter, Alexis, with the help of pal Jennifer Koppelman Hutt, critiques her mom's appearance and projects on Season 2 of "Whatever, Martha!" (FLN at 9).

"Law & Order: SVU" (NBC at 9) starts Season 11 with guest star Wentworth Miller helping to solve a rape case, though Detectives Stabler and Benson worry he's too unstable to assist the investigation.

CNBC presents "The New Age of Walmart" (at 9), a documentary that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the store and its leadership.