Eternally the optomist, I like to try and see the best in things when it comes to late night. But this week didn’t make things easy. Not only will there be a plethora of re-runs, but the new acts aren’t too awesome on the whole. I mean, I liked Hootie and the Blowfish back in ’96, and even Darius Rucker’s solo stuff doesn’t bother me too much, but is that the best you have to offer, late night programming? Fortunately, our saving graces come in the forms of good re-runs (in particular the Bruce Springsteen hour re-airing Wednesday night on J Fallon, which is a MUST SEE), and three good performers. By name, Kid Cudi (here’s to hoping St. Vincent shows again), the post-debut drop Nicki Minaj, and the first television performance by Deerhunter since the relase of their fantastic Halcyon Digest. But that’s not to discount Norah Jones, Michael Franti, and the incendiary Rod Stewart who will all be performing as well throughout the week.
Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Nicki Minaj
Thurs—Darius Rucker

Mon—Elvis Costello*
Tues—Kid Cudi*
Wed—Bruce Springsteen*
Thurs—Kings of Leon*
Fri—GWAR*
Mon—Kid Cudi
Tues—Bo Burnham
Wed—Cake
Thurs—Deerhunter

Wed—Nicki Minaj*
Fri—Bruno Mars*

Mon—Kate Nash*
Tues—Broken Bells*
Wed—Ra Ra Riot*
Thurs—School of Seven Bells*
Fri—Built To Spill*

Mon—Michael Franti
Wed—Nellie McKay
Thurs—Norah Jones

Mon—Keyshia Cole
Tues—Rod Stewart
Wed—Darius Rucker
Thurs—Julia Fordham and Paul Reiser
* = Repeat
Stay tuned, folks!
Carson Daly, Conan O'Brien, Craig Ferguson, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel