“American Experience” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) examines a bioethical struggle from another generation with clear parallels to today’s stem-cell research controversy. “Test Tube Babies” recalls how less than 30 years ago, the notion of in-vitro fertilization passed from the realm of science fiction to laboratory possibility and sparked a political and ethical firestorm. But like many great histories, it also profiles some colorful characters whose individual decisions changed the course of events.

“Test Tube” shows that while the first human egg was fertilized in a lab in 1944, research languished for the simple fact that the most successful technician decided to quit and settle down with her husband. In the 1970s, the single-minded scientist Landon Shettles resumed experimentation only to find himself stymied by his publicity-shy research facility. When he worked secretly with an infertile couple on an IVF experiment, his boss literally chased him down the hall, had him fired and destroyed the couple’s fertilized eggs. They would later sue for damages over the destruction of their “potential” offspring.

As “Test Tube” makes clear, the controversy coincided with the rise in political strength of the so-called religious right in the United States. But many Americans had qualms about potential medical freaks or the creation of laboratory-produced superbabies. “Test Tube” makes insightful use of contemporary cartoons and jokes from Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” monologues.

IVF moved from fantasy to fact with the birth of Louise Brown in Britain in 1978. Brown’s cherubic face and obvious good health eased public fears over IVF research. Her British citizenship also demonstrated that American medicine had been surpassed for reasons that had little to do with science.

Brown’s birth also changed the grounds of the moral debate. Religious critics seemed to be focusing on the sanctity and protection of artificially produced cell clusters, while IVF technology was providing a means by which infertile couples could have children. It was difficult to argue that the scientists were not “pro-life.” In the past 25 years, more than 400,000 American children and more than 2 million babies around the world have been born as a result of IVF.

¢ For some, Monday nights have not been the same since the departure of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Phil Rosenthal, the creator and executive producer of that sitcom, recalls his days on “Raymond” in the book “You’re Lucky You’re Funny” (Penguin, 2006), on sale today. The book’s title was inspired by his wife, Monica Horan, who, fans may recall, played Amy, Robert’s girlfriend on “Raymond.”

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Sucre sours on the deal on “Prison Break” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ Moguls past and present discuss the state of the media on “Conversations with Michael Eisner” (7 p.m., CNBC), featuring Ted Turner, Sumner Redstone and Mark Cuban.

¢ The Cowboys host the Raiders in NFL action (7:30 p.m., ESPN).

¢ Unusual talents put some at odds with their environment on “Heroes” (8 p.m., NBC).

¢ A teen stands accused of bully-cide on “Justice” (8 p.m., Fox).

¢ “The Dog Whisperer” (8 p.m., National Geographic) enters its third season.

¢ A former Boomtown Rat espouses charity on “Bob Geldof in Africa” (8 p.m., Travel).

¢ Andy Richter returns as the “Sad Dad” on “The New Adventures of Old Christine” (8:30 p.m., CBS).

¢ Very superstitious shenanigans on “CSI: Miami” (9 p.m., CBS).

¢ Jordan has one too many at a wrap party on “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (9 p.m., NBC).

¢ Adam holds a grudge on “What About Brian” (9 p.m., ABC).

Cult choice

Lucy Lawless stars as an investigator for the Department of Agriculture in the 2005 made-for-TV eco-shocker “Locusts” (8 p.m., Family).

Series notes

Jane Seymour guest stars on “How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m., CBS) … Howie Mandel hosts “Deal or No Deal” (7 p.m., NBC) … Opposites clash on “Wife Swap” (8 p.m., ABC) … A fib has consequences on “Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m., CW) … Halloween tricks on “The Class” (7:30 p.m., CBS) … The charity-auction episode of “All of Us” (7:30 p.m., CW) … A new gal seems familiar on “Two and a Half Men” (9 p.m., CBS) … Roses and thorns on “The Bachelor: Rome” (8 p.m., ABC) … An amateur-hour performance on “Girlfriends” (8 p.m., CW) … A chat with the offensive coordinator on “The Game” (8:30 p.m., CW).

Late night

Tom Arnold appears on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts Jessica Simpson, D.L. Hughley and the Roots on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC) … Tyra Banks, Jason Statham and Papa Roach appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:05 a.m., ABC) … Martha Stewart, Macaulay Culkin and Billy Bragg on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (11:35 a.m., NBC) … Craig Ferguson hosts Maria Bello, Derek Luke and Frankie J featuring Chamillionaire on “The Late, Late Show” (11:37 a.m., CBS).