The largely untold story of how tens of thousands of gay federal workers were fired or denied employment in the 1950s is told in Josh Howard’s documentary “The Lavender Scare” (PBS, 9 p.m. check local listings). Protests in the wake of Eisenhower’s declaration that gay men and lesbians were a threat to the country’s security helped spark the gay rights movement.
Based on the book of the same name by David K. Johnson, the hour-long documentary is narrated by Glenn Close and uses the voices of Cynthia Nixon, Zachary Quinto, T.R. Knight and David Hyde Pierce.
Other Pride month programming include the documentary “Wig” (HBO, 10 p.m.) about the annual celebration of Wigstock in New York City. Chris Moukabel’s film includes interviews with Lady Bunny, Flotilla DeBarge and Neil Patrick Harris.
A standout cast member of “Broad City,” Arturo Castro steps out on his own in his new series “Alternatio with Arturo Castro” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.).
It’s opposite the fourth season of the broad “The Detour” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.) with a search for their runaway daughter.
Robin Givens and Essence Atkins portray competitive lawyers in Atlanta in the new series from Will Packer, “Ambitions” (OWN, 10 p.m.).
“The Fosters” spinoff “Good Trouble” (Freeform, 8 p.m.) begins a second season.
There’s a new standup special from the comedian and actor “Adam Devine: Best Time of Our Lives” (Netflix, streaming), shot at the Orpheum Theater in his hometown of Omaha.
A fourth round of auditions try to prove “America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
“Drunk History” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.) looks at the case of the guy who flew in a balloon-powered lawn chair.
On “Blood & Treasure” (CBS, 10 p.m.), Danny and Lexi follow a clue to Spain.
Bianca starts a new business on “Pose” (FX, 10 p.m.).
An Arctic storm hits “Deadliest Catch” (Discovery, 9 p.m.).
On “Games People Play” (BET, 9 p.m.) Mia reaches out to Eric.
Clarke’s past catches up with her on “The 100” (CW, 9 p.m.).
The question on “Songland” (NBC, 10 p.m.) is whether the Jonas Brothers would recognize a good song.
Maddie tries to perfect her tumbling on “Cheerleader Generation” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.).
On “Ladies Night” (BET, 10 p.m.) Salt ’n’ Pepa are having problems on the tour.
Breakfast goes badly on “Texicanas” (Bravo, 10:30 p.m.).
There is beauty product addiction on “The Radkes” (USA, 10:30 p.m.).
Three Tuesdays spent celebrating the counterculture on Turner Classic Movies conclude with five movies from half a century ago, 1969 – “Model Shop” (8 p.m.), “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice” (10 p.m.), “Staircase” (midnight), “Cactus Flower” (1:45 a.m.) and “Z” (3:45 a.m.).
During the day on TCM are tales of abandonment in “Manhattan Parade” (10:15 a.m.), “Mary Jane’s Pa” (11:45 a.m.), “Forty Little Mothers” (1 p.m.), “This Side of Heaven” (2:45 p.m.), “These Wilder Years” (4:15 p.m.) and “A Taste of Honey” (6 p.m.).
The women’s soccer world cup continues with Italy vs. Brazil (Fox Sports 1, 3 p.m.) and Jamaica vs. Australia (Fox Sports 2, Telemundo, 3 p.m.).
Baseball includes Mets at Atlanta (MLB, 7 p.m.).
In WNBA action, it’s Washington at Los Angeles (CBS Sports, 10:30 p.m.).
Soccer has England vs. France (ESPNU, 3 p.m.) in the UEFA U-21 championship. In the Concacaf Gold Cup, it’s Panama vs. Trinidad Tobago (Fox Sports 1, 7:30 p.m.) and Guyana at U.S. (Fox Sports 1, 10 p.m.).
The college baseball world series has Louisville at Auburn (ESPN, 2 p.m.) and Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Shania Twain, Cat Deeley, Anderson Cooper. The View: Willie Nelson, Dax Shepard. The Talk: Rocky Carroll. Wendy Williams: David Burtka (rerun).
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Chris Matthews, Jessie Buckley. Jimmy Kimmel: Joel McHale, Betty Gilpin, Santana. Jimmy Fallon: Willie Nelson, Adam Devine. Seth Meyers: Eva Longoria, Jacki Weaver, Michael Torpey, Jessica Burdeaux. James Corden: Lily James, Millie Bobby Brown, Little Mix. Carson Daly: Benedict Wong, Phoebe Bridgers, Drew Tarver (rerun). Trevor Noah: Tom Perez. Conan O’Brien: Sean Penn (rerun).