Sherri Shepherd stars in “Sherri” (6 p.m., Lifetime), a sitcom about Sherri Shepherd, of all things. The actress plays herself, an actress forced by the transient nature of her work on “The View,” “30 Rock” and other venues to keep a “day job” that allows her to crack wise with a trio of other women working in her paralegal firm. Sherri the character has recently been dumped by her husband, Kevin (Malcolm-Jamal Warner).

This being a sitcom, this emotional setback is merely an excuse for Sherri and her girlfriends to go out clubbing. If it were a worse show, they would go to a bachelor auction, or invade a bachelor party or a male strip club. But despite some rather obvious one-liners and well-worn plot points, “Sherri” is more than redeemed by its star’s self-deprecating humor. In fact, “Sherri” works best when she’s on her own and away from her office playmates. She is a star playing a star who got where she is by being comfortable in her plus-sized body.

The debut of “Sherri” coincides with the return of “Rita Rocks” (6:30 p.m., Lifetime), a not-so stellar sitcom starring Nicole Sullivan as a mother who moonlights in a rock band. Both comedies will take their regular place on the schedule on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

l The documentary “Outrage” (8 p.m., HBO) examines the curious phenomenon of politicians who keep their gay identities a secret and who often go out of their way to support and advocate anti-gay policies.

As the title implies, the film exhibits a great deal of anger toward these closeted individuals. At the same time, it has room for compassion for public figures who live in private anguish and in constant fear of being exposed and ruined. Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey and other politicians who made their disclosure on their own terms express a tremendous sense of relief at no longer having to put up a charade. Several of the figures mentioned here would probably have no problem getting re-elected even if their secret was out. And the film makes the point that they would be better leaders and legislators if they could just be honest with themselves and their constituents.

Tonight’s other highlights

• A patient’s (James Earl Jones) past as an African despot complicates treatment on “House” (7 p.m., Fox).

• Acts of valor distract Hiro from his dilemma on “Heroes” (7 p.m., NBC).

• “Dancing with the Stars” (7 p.m., ABC) continues without Kathy Ireland.

• “Private Screenings” (7 p.m., TCM) repeats a 1999 interview with Leslie Caron.

• Vikings quarterback Brett Favre faces his old team when Minnesota hosts Green Bay on “Monday Night Football” (7:30 p.m., ESPN).

• A football star stands accused of rape on “Lie to Me” (8 p.m., Fox).

• Directed by Elvis Wilson, “Being Lincoln: Men with Hats” (8 p.m., Documentary) examines the lives of men who make their living as Lincoln impersonators.

• A volleyball court becomes a crime scene on “CSI: Miami” (9 p.m., CBS).

• A fountain becomes the site of a fatal fashion shoot on “Castle” (9 p.m., ABC).

• Have glue gun will travel. “The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price” (Logo) tackles a new facet of design with each half-hour helping. Event planning (9 p.m.) gives way to furniture design (9:30 p.m.).

• “The Mo’Nique Show” (10 p.m., BET) joins the late-night talk-show fray.

Cult choice

A frazzled professor (Michael Douglas) mentors a prodigy (Tobey Maguire) in the 2000 comedy “Wonder Boys” (9 p.m., The Movie Channel).