There may be a metaphor in the growth of miniseries based on real events about existential threats threatening mankind. First “Chernobyl” (HBO, 9 p.m.) and now “The Hot Zone” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.), based on Richard Preston’s nonfiction bestseller, about the first time the Ebola virus reached the U.S.
It’s got its share of grisly scenes – a guy way too sick on a transcontinental flight, exploding blood — but there is a lot of shots in the lab of urgent scientists led by Julianna Marguiles, who is good to see on TV again. Topher Grace, Liam Cunningham and Robert Wisdom round out the cast.
Comedy meets history on a couple of new shows. Having exhausted current celebrities, Jeff Ross looks back to populate imagined “Historical Roasts” (Netflix, streaming). The new series before a live audience has Gilbert Godfried as Adolf Hitler and Bob Saget as Abraham Lincoln.
In the special based on his Off Broadway show is “Colin Quinn: Red State Blue State” (CNN, 9 p.m.), lightening the mood on the news channel for at least one night, in the network’s first comedy special.
Speaking of former “Saturday Night Live” stars, “Biography: Chris Farley — Anything for a Laugh” (A&E, 9 p.m.) looks back at the comedian who died 22 years ago at 33.
The sequel to last yea’s “Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance” has a new cast with Tiffany Marie Smith and Charlie Field playing the royal couple in their first year of marriage and expecting their first child in “Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal” (Lifetime, 8 p.m.). They follow with their own documentary, “Meghan & Harry: Baby Fever” (Lifetime, 10:30 p.m.).
Speaking of the circus, the final three rings are recounted in “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: The Final Farewell” (AXS, 8 p.m.).
“Gentleman Jack” (HBO, 10 p.m.) has been picked up of a second season.
There’s nothing new about a Hallmark romance, but it is unusual to have one premiere on a Monday. Emeraude Toubia and Tom Maden star in “Love in the Sun” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.), about a dating app creator who runs into her high school boyfriend back in Florida.
Hannah is still dating on “The Bachelorette” (ABC, 8 p.m.) but has a health scare.
Noisy and dirty, here’s a new series “Dirty Mudder Truckers” (Discovery, 10 p.m.).
Pastors play “Beat Shazam” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
There’s a pair of crossover episodes of “Vanderpump Rules” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) and “Summer House” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies’ 24-hour Memorial Day Tribute has “From Here to Eternity” (6 a.m.), “King Rat” (8:30 a.m.), “The Young Lions” (11 a.m.), “The Red Badge of Courage” (2 p.m.), “Friendly Persuasion” (3:15 p.m.), “Glory” (5:45 p.m.), “Men in War” (8 p.m.), “The Steel Helmet” (10 p.m.), “The Big Parade” (11:45 p.m.), “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (2:30 a.m.) and “Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress” (5:15 a.m.).
The Stanley Cup Finals finally begin, and on prime time broadcast TV, with St. Louis at Boston (NBC, 8 p.m.).
Baseball includes Cleveland at Boston (ESPN, 4 p.m.) and Mets at Dodgers (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
Soccer’s FIFA U-20 World Cup has Honduras vs. Uruguay (Fox Sports 2, 11:50 a.m.) and U.S. vs. Nigeria (Fox Spots 1, 2:20 p.m.).
There is first round play in the French Open (Tennis, 5 a.m.; NBC, noon).
It’s Yale vs. Virginia (ESPN2, 1 p.m.) in the NCAA men’s lacrosse championship.
Today is the college baseball NCAA tournament selection show (ESPNU, noon).
In surfing, it’s the Margaret River Pro Australia (Fox Sports 2, 8 p.m.).
And the USA Ultimate Frisbee Championship finals (ESPNU, 1 and 4 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Hilary Swank, Yvonne Strahovski, Lukas Graham. The View: Joe Scarboough, Mika Brzezinski, Common (rerun). The Talk: Allison Williams, James Tupper. Ellen DeGeneres: Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian (rerun). Wendy Williams: Blac Chyna (rerun).
Late Talk
All reruns. Stephen Colbert: Keanu Reeves, Santino Fontana, Bryan Cranston. Jimmy Kimmel: Trevor Noah, Billie Lourd, Ciara. Jimmy Kimmel: Paul Rudd, Diane Guerrero, Leonad Ouzts. Seth Meyers: Colin Quinn, Margo Martindale, Pkew Pkew Pkew. James Corden: Sonequa Martin-Green, Pete Holmes, Rebecca Ferguson, Ava Max. Carson Daly: John Bradley, Aurora, Mamoudou Athie. Conan O’Brien: Ray Romano.