TV critic's picks: Wednesday

Big Top dreams A college-bound acrobat struggles with leaving behind his family legacy. Half of a twin-brother juggling team is ready to throw it all away. A member of the tent crew goes off his meds. Such is life in "Circus" (8 p.m., KTCA, Ch. 2), a six-hour documentary airing the next three Wednesdays. PBS cameras followed the Big Apple Circus, a traditional single-ring tent extravaganza, around the country for nearly a year to bring us this up-close view of the Big Top.

Crescent City showdown Minnesota Vikings tailgaters take on a team of New Orleans Saints fans in "Tailgate Warriors With Guy Fieri" (9 p.m., Food). Let's hope they brought a better game than Brett Favre did in his season opener -- but I'd never bet against New Orleans cooks, especially when they have the home-field advantage.

Birthday girl Jules (Courteney Cox) is getting ready for her 42nd birthday on "Cougar Town" (8:31 p.m. Wed., KSTP, Ch. 5), and like every year, she's holding a contest for the best gift. And, no, it's not a guest appearance by Matthew Perry.