Cable Specials Don’t Miss a Beat

It’s one of those slow summer evenings when viewers might be better off reading a book. Those who insist on watching the little box that glows, however, have a couple of choices, courtesy of cable.

“Planet of the Apes: Rule the Planet,” is a half-hour Fox special that can be seen tonight at 8. If you can’t handle the hype, there’s the irreverent monkey business of “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” the clever news parody marking its fifth anniversary tonight at 11 on Comedy Central.

Former Sen. Bob Dole, who has no problem poking fun at himself, appears as a guest on the half-hour episode, which interweaves recorded comments from “Daily” contributors. As a way of marking the milestone, “The Pride of America,” a song inspired by the theme for “The Today Show,” will be played over outtakes.

If you prefer something with a raucous beat, turn to “Celebrity Profile: Jon Bon Jovi” at 10 p.m. on E! Entertainment. Bon Jovi, who formed the band in 1983, talks about the group’s hits and misses during nearly two decades of life on the road and in recording studios.

Reflecting on the meaning of stardom, Bon Jovi says, “I wasn’t very good at accepting the praise, getting the pat on the back, crossing the finish line. I enjoyed much more the thrill of getting there than I ever did for anybody to say, ‘Hey, you were really good.’ I didn’t accept that very well.”

The hour also includes interviews with bandmates Richie Sambora, Tico Torres and David Bryan.