Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"National Geographic: Skin," 8 p.m., PBS. Human skin, this special tells us, is remarkable. It's strong and sturdy and self-repairing. It even evolves by region. Beyond that, skin pleases us aesthetically. For all of its strengths, we seem intent on altering skin. Some cultures scar it; others tattoo it. White people deliberately darken it in the sun. This cleverly written documentary captures the serious and silly side of skin. It also will surprise some viewers with the amount of nudity.

Of Note

"Ed," 7 p.m., NBC. This is the day Carol (Ed's true love) is supposed to marry Dennis. Naturally, there are complications: Her brassy kid sister comes to town. Ed is with the free-spirited Jennifer (Kelly Ripa) who has a bold plan.

"On Stage at the Kennedy Center," 9 p.m., PBS. The annual Mark Twain Prize for comedy goes to Bob Newhart. That provides lots of chances for clever people to give comments. They include former co-stars, Tom Poston and Suzanne Pleshette, and his friend Don Rickles.