Simply red

With "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" debuting next month, "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" picking up steam and "Jimmy Kimmel Live" solidifying its status as the friendliest place on Earth, it would be easy for "Conan" to get lost in the late-night shuffle. Host Conan O'Brien's spastic moves are starting to suggest a grandfather still trying to convince children to pull his finger. The guest list is often as glamorous as the attendance at a neighborhood block party, and, in terms of pop-culture relevance, that gorgeous mess of red hair has been surpassed by Donald Trump's mop. But don't abandon O'Brien just yet. When it comes to reacting to the unexpected, he remains the quickest trigger, exhibiting unabashed glee whenever the show goes off script. That makes Thursday night's show, in which the host will introduce clips from rehearsals that went awry, must-see TV, even if it means taking a break from the two Jimmys. 10 p.m. Mon.-Thu. TBS

History lesson

Colin Quinn is having a moment. Finally. After years of being the guy you sort of remember behind the anchor desk on "Saturday Night Live," the comic is getting rave reviews for his scene-stealing turn in "Trainwreck," as well as his Jerry Seinfeld-produced special, "Colin Quinn: Unconstitutional," which examines everything from the three branches of government to the unattractive nature of most U.S. presidents. Now streaming on Netflix.

Tattoo you

"Black Ink Crew" returns as the tattoo parlor workers deal with the aftermath of accidentally etching "I Love Obama" on Chris Christie's inner thigh. Actually, the drama deals with last season's post-fashion show fight, but we think our premise packs more of a punch. 8 p.m. Monday, VH1

New York state of mind

For "Public Morals," a police/gangster drama set in 1960s New York, Edward Burns directed, wrote, appeared in and provided back rubs for the entire crew. Think "Boardwalk Empire" but with tamer language. Michael Rapaport ­co-stars with a hat he stole from Popeye Doyle. 9 p.m. Tuesday, TNT

Neal Justin