The History Channel takes on the daunting task of telling the story of the human race in this six-part/12-hour miniseries. Different episodes will look at the Ice Age, the city of Rome, the Aztec empire, the Industrial Revolution and so much more. Series premiere, 9 p.m. Tuesday on the History Channel (seattletimes.com/tvlistings).

“NCIS,” 8 p.m. (CBS): When a Navy lieutenant is killed in a brutal attack shortly after returning home from the Middle East, the team questions the victim’s friend, a Marine captain with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Ben and Kate,” 8:30 p.m. (Fox): With Maddie’s school’s career day approaching, Ben puts the job hunt into high gear; Kate develops a crush on her neighbor; B.J. faces backlash for receiving a pay raise.

“Happy Endings,” 9 p.m. (ABC): When Brad and Max work together at a bar mitzvah, Max is jealous of Brad’s performance; Dave and Alex’s attempts at romantic gestures don’t go as planned.

“Emily Owens, M.D.,” 9 p.m. (CW): Micah and Emily are baffled when a patient won’t accept a kidney transplant from her new husband.

“Parenthood,” 10:01 p.m. (NBC): Adam and Kristina face difficulties as she deals with her continuing treatment; Sarah and Zeek worry about Amber and Ryan’s relationship; Julia focuses on building a bond with Victor.

“Million Dollar Decorators,” 10:01 p.m. (Bravo): Martyn begins to panic when a project is threatened; Kathryn brings her housekeeper to check on a design’s progress; Mary deals with a client who leaves the decision-making to her dog.