On the new “Time Scanners” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) a structural engineer Steve Burrows uses all manner of new technology to scan structures and uncover mysteries at famous ancient sites, starting at the pyramids in Egypt. It’s followed by “History Detectives Special Investigations” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) a title that hints that previous investigations were not so special. Here, the team looks at some really cold cases including a Texas murder in 1885, the disappearances of Glenn Miller and Jimmy Hoffa and the sinking of the S.S. Sultana.
Two smart, subversive and frequently hilarious series return tonight with season 2 of “Drunk History” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.) starting with the stories of Rosa Parks, Percy Julian and Joe Louis from inebriated storytellers, and the brainy interventions of “Nathan for You” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) disrupting actual businesses with audacious business plans.
This afternoon, all TVs will be set at the knockout Round of 16 match of Belgium vs. USA (ESPN, 4 p.m.). It’s preceded by Argentina vs. Switzerland (ESPN, Univision, noon).
The “Biker Battleground Phoenix” (History, 10 p.m.) looks at a garage of motorcycle builder in Arizona.
The documentary “Buried Secrets: Who Murdered the McStay Family?” (CNN, 9 p.m.) looks at the mysterious case of a family who disappeared four years ago, only to have their bones found buried in the desert this year.
Comedian Judy Gold switches her partner with the wife of Penn Jillette on “Celebrity Wife Swap” (ABC, 10 p.m.). He probably should have swapped Penn.
Barry on “Tyrant” (FX, 10 p.m.) has that sinking feeling that happens when the plane you’re on goes back to the tarmac instead of taking off. Also, he has to run his father’s country.
On “Covert Affairs” (USA, 10 p.m.), Annie has to decide whether to go after a terrorist in Venezuela.
A new “Nick News with Linda Ellerbee” (Nickelodeon, 8 p.m.) looks at animal rights and testing.
The big ratings winner from Sunday night, The 2014 BET Awards (BET, 8 p.m.) gets a replay.
Turner Classic Movies begins a month-lob, 26-film Tuesday night tribute to actress Maureen O’Hara, starting with “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (8 p.m.), “How Green was My Valley” (10:15 p.m.), “Sentimental Journey” (12:30 a.m.), “The Forbidden Street” (2:15 a.m.), “A Woman’s Secret” (4 a.m.), and “The Fallen Sparrow” (5:30 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Kelly Osbourne, Joey Chestnut, Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas. The View: Joan Rivers, Cee-Lo Green, Molly Bloom, , Ross Mathews. The Talk: Rob Reiner, Eva Amurri Martino, Ryan Scott. Ellen DeGeneres: Daniel Radcliffe, Jack Osbourne, Cheryl Burke (rerun). Wendy Williams: Larenz Tate, Sunny Anderson.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Paul Rudd, Jeff Altman, John Doe (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Hugh Jackman, Jimmy Page, Barry Gibb, Josh Kaufman (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Dane Cook, Mark Duplass, Trey Songz. Seth Meyers: John Oliver, Natasha Lyonne, Paolo Nutini (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Kristen Bell, Michael McMillan (rerun). Carson Daly: Christopher Meloni, Liquor Store (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Hugh Laurie. Jon Stewart: Bill Maher (rerun). Stephen Colbert: Jay Carney (rerun). Arsenio Hall: George Lopez, Key & Peele, Rosie Perez, Yo Gotti (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Betty White, Jason Momoa, American Authors (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Kevin Hart, John Caparulo, Jenny Mollen, Sarah Colonna (rerun).