Timothy Greenfield-Sanders has previously made documentary films out of portrait sessions on distinct groups, starting with three volumes of “The Black List” followed by two of “The Latino List” and “The Out List” last year. His latest is for a group that is no minority at all, but whose culture has been dominating for decades just because of their demographic number (our demographic number).
The reason for “The Boomer List” on “American Masters” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) is that the last of the postwar group defined as 1946 to 1964, is turning 50. The group he has on screen talking about their lives is weighted with celebrities including Samuel L. Jackson, Billy Joel (pictured), Kim Cattrall, Rosie O’Donnell and the ever-present John Leguizamo, who has told these tales before in his one man shows. Almost more interesting are the lesser known figures such as NASA official Ellen Ochoa, writer Tim O’Brien and computer pioneer Steve Wozniak.
It’s preceded by the second season of “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr.” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) begins its second season by looking into the pasts of writer Stephen King and actors Courtney B. Vance and Gloria Reuben.
The setting is Russia for the 12th season premiere of “NCIS” (CBS, 8 p.m.), which makes way for the spin-off “NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS, 9 p.m.) directly after.
Also returning tonight, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC, 9 p.m.) begins its second season before “Forever” (ABC, 10 p.m.), which technically bowed Monday, settles into its regular time slot.
“Person of Interest” (CBS, 10 p.m.) begins its fourth season, with Cara Buono joining the cast eventually. And “Chicago Fire” (NBC, 10 p.m.) starts its new season.
MTV’s fake lesbian teen drama “Faking It” (MTV, 10:30 p.m.) starts its second season; “Awkward” (MTV, 10 p.m) starts its fourth.
Race car driver Michael Waltrip had the lowest score last night on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.), but he might not be voted out; the lowest vote-getter last week wasn’t the one eliminated. Sia and Nico & Vinz perform.
Climbing on chairs (after they’ve stopped spinning) is the way judges have been getting attention during the blind auditions on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) which seems even more over-produced than usual this season.
It’s actually the second episodes of the season for “New Girl” (Fox, 9 p.m.) and “The Mindy Project” (Fox, 9:30 p.m.).
The only reruns on the broadcast networks are “Arrow” (The CW, 8 p.m.) and “Supernatural” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
The sports documentary “Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football” (Epix, 8 p.m.) tells the story of four men who broke the color barrier in pro football in 1946: Woody Strode, Kenny Washington, Marion Motley and Bill Willis.
The Tuesday night showcase of films depicting the Jewish experience continues on Turner Classic Movies with “The House of Rothschild” (8 p.m.), “Gentleman’s Agreement” (10 p.m.), “Crossfire” (12:15 a.m.), “Focus” (2 a.m.) and “The Life of Emile Zola” (4 a.m.).
Baseball tonight includes Baltimore at Yankees (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and San Francisco at Dodgers (ESPN, 10 p.m.).
In hockey, the preseason is here with Philadelphia at Toronto (NHL, 7:30 p.m.) and Vancouver at San Jose (NHL, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Kerry Washington, Bill O’Reilly. The View: Andrea Martin, Bethenny Frankel. The Talk: Scott Bakula, Brooke Anderson, John Besh. Ellen DeGeneres: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Wendi McLendon-Covey, 30 Seconds to Mars. Wendy Williams: Laz Alonso. Meredith Vieira: Debra Messing, Lindsey Stirling.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Denzel Washington, Lenny Kravitz. Jimmy Fallon: Kerry Washington, Carson Daly, Julian Casablancas and the Voidz. Jimmy Fallon: Viola Davis, Anthony Bourdain, Tove Lo. Seth Meyers: Jennifer Hudson, Patrick Wilson. Craig Ferguson: Lauren Graham, Ed Weeks. Carson Daly: Antoine Fuqua, Say Anything, Jason Mantzoukas. Tavis Smiley: Sandy Berger, James Ellroy. Jon Stewart: Gen. Tony Zinni. Stephen Colbert: Naomi Klein. Conan O’Brien: Kirsten Dunst, Ike Barinholtz, Paul Simon.