‘Richest’ highlights wealth divide

While some reality shows have centered on cultural difference, “Survival of the Richest” (8 p.m., WB) invites its participants and viewers to engage in full-throated class warfare.

On “Richest,” seven silver spoons share posh digs with seven strivers. The seven wealthy participants have a combined wealth – all inherited – exceeding $3 billion.

The seven poor participants have amassed a collective personal debt to the tune of $150,000. Some work several jobs and have little material wealth to show for it.

Each poor player will be teamed up with a rich counterpart every week to compete in various tasks, such as working as a wench or serf waiter at a medieval-themed restaurant, building a Habitat for Humanity house or cleaning out the bathrooms at a racetrack.

The most striking aspect of “Richest” is the unvarnished obnoxiousness of the pampered participants. They’re not merely clueless, like Paris Hilton on “The Simple Life,” but pro-actively loathsome.

One woman makes fun of homeless people. Another player brags, “I like to make waitresses cry and then sleep with them.”

Only one of the bunch appears to be educated, but he uses his proficiency in several languages to show off and annoy everyone else. When told that the grand prize for “winning” the show is $200,000, another contestant chortles, “dinner.”

Given the fact that the grand prize is chump change, why did these scions of wealth agree to appear? Are they so desperate to be on television?

Other highlights

Justice arrives from beyond the grave on “Ghost Whisperer” (8 p.m., CBS).

Howie Mandel hosts “Deal or No Deal” (8 p.m., NBC).

On two episodes of “Bernie Mac” (Fox), too many cooks (8 p.m.), and learning to let go (8:30 p.m.).

A conspiracy to inflate home prices sparks an investigation on “Close to Home” (9 p.m., CBS).

Danny and Mike pose for a calendar on “Las Vegas” (9 p.m., NBC).

Mothers from different galaxies agree to surveillance on “Trading Spouses: Meet Your New Mommy” (9 p.m., Fox).

A cross-border controversy on “In Justice” (9 p.m., ABC).

An activist falls afoul of extremists on “Numb3rs” (10 p.m., CBS).

Potter beats the odds on “Conviction” (10 p.m., NBC).

Scheduled on “20/20” (10 p.m., ABC): five wealthy people who started with nothing.

The new series “L.A. Forensics” (10:30 p.m., Court TV) offers a weekly glance at one of the nation’s busiest crime labs.