Adoring ‘Dora’

ON Aug. 14., 2000, Dora Marquez made her television debut on Nickelodeon and instantly made history as the first leading animated Latina character. The show debuted at number one and Dora has since become a friend to children around the globe. The TV movie “Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure” celebrates her tenth year on the air and features guest stars Hector Elizondo, John Leguizamo and Rosie Perez. After the film, a short documentary will also pay tribute to the charismatic preschooler. Anderson Cooper, Soledad O’Brien, Sherri Shepherd and others will participate.

* DORA’S BIG BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE

Today, 8 p.m., Nickelodeon

Gang green

ESPN will televise four NFL games as part of its 2010 “Monday Night Football” pre-season schedule. First up was a match between the Baltimore Ravens and the Carolina Panthers. But the real excitement starts when the New York Giants and the Jets at the new Meadowlands stadium. On Monday night, Eli Manning and the Giants will face Mark Sanchez and the Jets. The network’s commentator team of Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and analysts Joe Gruden and Ron Jaworski will call all four games, which will conclude on August 23 and 26.

* GIANTS VS. JETS

Monday, 8 p.m., ESPN

The real Sookie

Bill (Stephen Moyer) gets to the bottom of Sookie’s real identity and Sookie (Anna Paquin) meets another family member; Jason finds an unlikely ally in his feud with Felton (James Harvey Ward) and Calvin (Gregory Sporleder); Arlene has a pessimistic view of her future; Russell (Denis O’Hare) vows to get back at his enemies.

* TRUE BLOOD

Today, 9 p.m., HBO

Enchanted evening

The gloriousTony-winning production of “South Pacific” closes August 22, but PBS will air it in its “Live From Lincoln Center” series. Kelli O’Hara, who scored as Nellie Forbush, returns to the show to sing “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair” and other Rodgers and Hammerstein classics made famous by Mary Martin in the original production.

* LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER

Wednesday, 8 p.m., PBS

Sapphic cocktail

When a woman is savagely murdered while leaving a lesbian bar, Jane (Angie Harmon) goes undercover to solve the apparent hate crime. Meanwhile, Maura (Sasha Alexander) plays matchmaker and brings Jane together with a handsome yoga instructor (Antonio Sabato Jr.). Also guest-starring Brenda Strong (“Desperate Housewives”).

* RIZZOLI & ISLES

Monday, 10 p.m., TNT

Image overhaul for Brenda

AFTER a parole board member is viciously murdered during a panicked phone call with Sgt. David Gabriel (Corey Reynolds), Assistant Police Chief Will Pope (J.K. Simmons) announces an overarching plan to boost the police department’s image. His plan, however, hinges on Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) first being able to solve the crime.

* THE CLOSER

Monday, 9 p.m., TNT

Pete’s dilemma

Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce is scraping by on the business of Lucky Strike, whose point person, Lee Garner, made Roger (John Slattery) dress up in Santa suit at the office Christmas party. Well, it’s a new year — 1965 — and the show will go on, just like Don’s sleazy hookups with hookers. Meanwhile, Pete (Vincent Kartheiser) receives an edict from Roger (John Slattery) and he finds himself facing a personal dilemma.

* MAD MEN

Today, 10 p.m., AMC

Scene of the crime

The last season of “Weeds” ended with Nancy Botwin’s son Shane apparently committing murder. Now, Nancy must dispose of the murder weapon — a croquet mallet — and evade the police. Among the personnel changes on the show, Nancy’s friend, Celia (Elizabeth Perkins) will not be back. Linda Hamilton will be joining the cast as Linda; along with her partner Fiona, Linda will help Nancy in her business.

* WEEDS

Monday, 10 p.m., Showtime