You can't stop the beat

The 1988 film "Hairspray" not only ushered John Waters into the mainstream, but it set off a cottage industry that resulted in a Tony-winning musical and one of the few films of the past decade in which John Travolta hasn't sucked. Now comes "Hairspray Live!," a live event that seems tailor-made for prime time with its toe-tapping tunes and nonconfrontational campaign for equality. The cast includes Harvey Fierstein, Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, Martin Short and Jennifer Hudson.

7 p.m., KARE, Ch. 11

Heart needs a home

Since winning an Oscar for 1986's "Children of a Lesser God," Marlee Matlin has guest-starred on more than 25 series, including "Seinfeld" and "The West Wing," almost always upping the ante. Her next stop is "Code Black," in which she visits the dysfunctional hospital after her car rolls into the Los Angeles River. These pop-ups are fun, but she hasn't anchored a network series of her own since co-starring with Mark Harmon in the 1991-93 drama "Reasonable Doubts." Isn't it time for another chance?

9 p.m., WCCO, Ch. 4

Breaking down the wall

"Conan in Berlin" finds TBS' biggest personality causing trouble in Germany. While the trip may not be as daring as his previous visits to Cuba, Qatar, Armenia and South Korea, it's still a treat to watch him mix with the locals from a nude beach and a dominatrix. The German tourism board may quibble with his itinerary, but fans of the late-night host will be pleased.

9 p.m., TBS

Matlin

Neal Justin