When one desk closes, another desk opens, goes the old saw. We doubt anyone will be making a strangely-cast film about Conan O'Brien's move to 11:35 PM, but there will be tons of behind-the-scenes drama, as network affiliates across America sit on their hands and hope that the Cone Zone holds up local news ratings numbers while still trying to offend a decent amount of Americans. To paraphrase a bit that should reappear on the new incarnation: 'The future, Conan?' No one knows what is going to happen, but it should be funnier than what happened the last 17 years.
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien [11:35 PM, NBC]
Guests: Will Ferrell. Pearl Jam. The host who gives hope to every performer with an ethnic last name returns tonight and his old sidekick Andy Richter has his back. Choosing this first guest must have been very difficult, but it was a smart move to go with Ferrell. He's here to stay, brings the energy needed for a clip to become internet-buzzy, and might expose himself. Though he probably won't lower his naked ass onto Richter's face, don't consider it an 11:35 PM Conan's-lost-his-edge thing if they don't show naked man-ass on the first night.
I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here [8 PM, NBC]
This second season premiere (Season One was back in 2003) is further evidence that most reality shows are way too long (also, movies have started creeping back up into triple digits). What could have been a lean, action-packed hour of bottom-rung celebrities sharpening their survival skills in the jungle is now a bloated, lazy editor's dream of Stephen Baldwin, Patti Blagojevich, Janice Dickinson, Sanjaya Malakar, Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt, John Salley and Torrie Wilson getting pwned repeatedly by a vengeful America. There will be a few strong moments, but having to sit for two hours to see them is why the internet, DVR and books were invented.
Jon & Kate Plus 8 [9 PM, TLC]
In the first of two new epis, special guest Duff of the Food Network's hipster baking show Ace of Cakes helps the Gosselins make a birthday cake for Kate on this 100th episode. We have a couple questions. First, where is Jon? He did not show up in any of the previews. Two, why didn't TLC go to the well and use their own cake-making show Cake Boss for the guest talent? Sure, Duff moves the needle more, but no one is watching this show for the cake. In the second episode, Kate and Mady vacation in San Diego while Jon cares for the rest of the kids. Will they cruise the Gaslamp Quarter for businessmen in-town for a convention? Hopefully not.
The Princess Bride [9 PM, ABC Family]
Twenty-two years later, this still remains one of the most quotable family films and probably the best use of Peter Falk ever. It was also a good choice to cast André the Giant as Fezzik, one of many foes who test our hero Westley (Cary Elwes) as he attempts to rescue his love Buttercup (Robin Wright Penn). "Inconceivable!" OK, that didn't really make sense. Um, "You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles."