Not every benchmark of 1968 was a grim one. Let’s talk about cool toy cars that debuted a half century ago, in the “Hot Wheels: 50th Anniversary Special” (History, 8 p.m.). A classic toy zipped around on loop-de-loop tracks ended up influencing car design. What began with a die-cast custom Camaro is lately toying with remote-controlled, Bluetooth-enabled models. More than 6 billion Hot Wheels have been sold in its 50 years, 10 every second, Mattel claims.
On the new “Carnival Kings” (Cooking, 9 p.m.), high end chef Richie Farina goes to carnivals to examine their fare and challenge the creator of things like duck sliders, as he does tonight in Tucson.
Jimmy Kimmel, Anthony Anderson and Will Arnett are guest judges on “The Gong Show” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
On “Detroiters” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.), Tim is burned on the internet.
Sam and Eddie look for a missing laptop on “Take Two” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
His own judges, Michael Psilakis and Seamus Mullen, step up to “Beat Bobby Flay” (Food 10 p.m.).
Abby is full time stepmom on “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
The fifth season of “Southern Charm” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) ends as Patricia makes peace with Kathryn.
Winston and Swaggy C. are up for eviction on a live “Big Brother” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
More challengers invade on “The Four: Battle for Stardom” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
On “Queen of the South” (USA, 9 p.m.), Teresa flees Europe and starts anew in Phoenix.
Tandy and Ty save a guy on “Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger” (Freeform, 8 p.m.).
Bob Lee looks for Earl’s murderers on “Shooter” (USA, 10 p.m.).
The Mongolian weather worsens on “Alone” (History, 10 p.m.).
“Marlon” (NBC, 9 p.m.) goes to a school career day, and has a birthday party on a second episode at 9:30.
Twin singers from Spain are among the “Little Big Shots” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
“Nick Cannon: Presents: Wild ’N Out” (MTV, 11 p.m.) returns with new episodes.
A mysterious creature lurks on “Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry” (History, 9 p.m.).
Clues about Jack the Ripper drop on a new “Mysteries at the Museum” (Travel, 10 p.m.).
Jack McBrayer, Ellie Kemper, John Early, Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Faison and Amy Seders are on a new “Match Game” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
It’s Karrueche Tran vs. Deon Cole on “Lip Sync Battle” (Paramount, 10 p.m.).
The month-long Thursday night Steve McQueen showcase on Turner Classic Movies continues with “The Great Escape” (8 p.m.), “Soldier in the Rain” (11 p.m.), “Baby, the Rain Must Fall” (12:45 a.m.) and “The Honeymoon Machine” (2:45 a.m.).
Baseball includes Oakland at Houston (MLB, 2 p.m.) and Yankees at Cleveland (MLB, 7 p.m.).
The NBA Summer League playoffs have Miami vs. New Orleans (NBA, 4 p.m.), New York vs. Boston (ESPN2, 4:30 p.m.), Memphis vs. Oklahoma (NBA, 6 p.m.), Philadelphia vs. Phoenix (ESPN2, 6:30 p.m.), San Antonio vs. Milwaukee (NBA, 8 p.m.), Clippers vs. Lakers (ESPN2, 8:30 p.m.), Utah vs. Orlando (NBA, 10 p.m.) and Atlanta vs. Portland (ESPN2, 10:30 p.m.).
It’s the women’s semifinals at Wimbledon (ESPN, 8 a.m.).
The World Cup is almost over, but here’s the USA International Cup in softball with Canada vs. USA Blue (ESPN, 7 p.m.). And in lacrosse, the FIL world championships have Israel vs. Jamaica (ESPNU, 9:30 a.m.) and U.S. vs. Iroquois Nationals (ESPN2, 1:30 p.m.).
The Tour de France (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.) hits Stage 6 in Brittany in which riders scale the Mûr de Britange twice.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Neve Campbell, James Van Der Beek. The Talk: Kathryn Hahn, Big Boy. Harry Connick: David Boreanaz, Adam Conover (rerun). Steve Harvey: Richard “Cheech” Marin, Tommy Chong, Shannon Boodram, Dorinda Medley, Diane Mizota, Neymar (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Jerry Seinfeld, Nick Foles, Dua Lipa (rerun). Wendy Williams: Bahar Takhtechchian.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Lawrence O’Donnell, Liv Tyler, Young the Giant. Jimmy Kimmel: Kathy Griffin , Jim Jefferies, Vance Joy. Jimmy Fallon: Robert Pattinson, Pete Davidson, Brockhampton (rerun). Seth Meyers: Hugh Grant, Kyrie Irving, Tim Robinson, Jennie Vee & Joe Russo (rerun). James Corden: Zooey Deschanel, John Mulaney, Arctic Monkeys (rerun). Carson Daly: Ari Melber, Typhoon, Michelle Buteau (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Andy Samberg, Nicole Byer, Dawes.