Tube Notes

Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Designing Women Reunion," 5 p.m., Lifetime. When "Designing Women" reached CBS in 1986 it was fresh and funny. Producer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason — sometimes writing all 22 scripts in a season — stuffed the show with caustic wit. Here were four quick-witted Southerners, perfectly played by Dixie Carter (with her wonderful rants), Delta Burke, Jean Smart and Annie Potts. It was a hot show that burned out. Burke fought with her colleagues and left in 1991. Smart also left in '91.

Julia Duffy, Jan Hooks and Judith Ivey stepped in before the show died in '93. A decade later it still provides great memories. Now Lifetime makes a night of it. At 4 p.m., "Intimate Portrait" profiles Burke. At 5 p.m. is a special with the stars reminiscing and presenting clips. Then come three reruns.

Of Note

"Monster House," 5 p.m., Discovery Channel. This show is a sort of "Tool Time" variation on "Trading Spaces." Lots of macho-type guys do elaborate makeovers of houses. Tonight, three episodes go back-to-back. Regular houses end up with an Oriental look, a South Pacific look and a castle complex complete with thrones.

"Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" (2000), 7 p.m., Fox. Professor Sherman Klump really wants to marry sweet Denise (Janet Jackson). Alas, he can't do it until he gets rid of his crass inner voice, Buddy Love. Lots of sight gags.

"History Detectives," 8 p.m., PBS. Tonight's hour probes some people's roots. One woman may be a descendant of famed abolitionist John Brown. Another's Chinese ancestors may have been held at the Angel Island detention center.

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. Cheryl Hines ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") plays a new friend. Ray and Debra like her and her husband, but can't stand their obnoxious son.