The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Craig Ferguson is one of the brightest and funniest comic wits Great Britain has produced in the last ten years. Still, Ferguson's selection as host of the Late Late Show came as a big surprise. Known to American audiences mostly from his appearances on "The Drew Carey Show," Ferguson seemed like too much of an unknown quantity to host a nightly network talk show. Judging from his first shows as host, however--especially his smashing official debut--casting Ferguson may have been a stroke of genius. The irreverent Scot--a cult figure from his work on "Red Dwarf" and "Freakazoid"-- is lively, likable, sharp and captivating, gently mocking competitors like Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel and poking merciless fun at the dull conventions of late-night. Fans who may have worried that Ferguson's UK comic sensibilities would be blunted or watered down by US network standards should rest easy--at least in early episodes, he's at his best, and is a significant improvement from Craig Kilborn's snarky Hef's-grotto fratboy sensibilities. O'Brien and especially Kimmel should keep a close eye on Ferguson--this show is off to a bold start, and savvy viewers will find Craig Ferguson hard to resist.

Two nights ago while flipping through channels I came across The Late Late show by chance, I normally am asleep by then. Lo and Behold I discovered the Best Talk show on TV. I have always watched Jay Leno, who is funny, and sometimes Letterman depending on his guest, I don't like Dave's arrogance though. But I realize I can watch The Late Late Show simply for Craig.

He is brilliant and hilarious and no matter who comes on the show, he will leave you rolling on the floor laughing. Why can't we have Craig come on earlier? He is a natural born comedian. Craig is such a pleasure to watch, he does not have to jump around, walk funny or act like fool to make us laugh. He is the BEST LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW HOST. Thank you guy for making me laugh so hard, it's been so long since I have done that.

Your forever fan Christine (in Canada)

He's my new favorite late-night TV talk-show host. (Jay Leno is second now.) He comes across as natural, relaxed and a down-to-earth person, which is refreshing. Actually, I have a bit of a crush on him. Just discovered him not that long ago, and really look forward to seeing him and his show. Love his Scottish accent and his sense of humor. Unfortunately, I got real tired of Conan quite some time ago. He doesn't do much for me, but I find Mr. Ferguson very entertaining and quite adorable. Love his little Scottish or English sayings, like when he calls us "cheeky little monkeys" with an impish look on his face. He's so normal and sane, and THAT is refreshing, also; not defensive or egotistical like some other hosts seems to be. He seems like a very likable and decent guy (somewhat like Leno). I find him to be more entertaining than Craig Kilborn was, although I liked Kilborn, too, especially his interest in jazz, which is also an interest of mine. I like Ferguson's humility. I forgot to mention his gorgeous blue eyes...sigh. Oh, and I really like his theme song, very catchy, and a cheerful, upbeat tune....I just love Craig Ferguson--he's a doll!

What has happened to late night shows? Seth Meyers a.k.a SNL left-overs - flop. Steven Colbert, can't hold a candle to Letterman. James Corden... even with an entire fancy set, a band, etc, he is lame and boring and seems to be enjoying his own show more than anyone else. Only the carpool karaoke is somewhat amusing. I miss Craigs skits (Aquaman, Price Charles, Michael Cain etc..) and Geoffs amazing celebrity imitations. Craig was a one man show that kept me laughing and entertained from start to finish! I would cancel plans just to make sure I tuned in from start to end. We all miss you Craig, you were truly a pioneer and a legend in the late night show scene. :(

Now that this show, starring Craig Ferguson, has run its course, I feel compelled to offer my opinion of this irreverent late night offering.

I don't know how or if Ferguson did research regarding the preferences of his audience, but it felt like he did. Viewers apparently responded to the wise-cracking skeleton robot called Geoff, so he became a regular, Ferguson's sidekick. Then he added Secretariat, the two guys in a horse suit, non-talking character that spent most of the show off to the side.

I loved those parts of the show. Apparently other viewers did too. And Ferguson knew it.

My other favorite thing about the show was the long list of "regulars", those guests who seemed to love being on the show--notably Kristen Bell--and responded well to the kookiness of Craig and his cohorts.

Ferguson's energy may have waned sometimes, but he (with Geoff) always indulged his wacky sense of humor, creating a long list of regular routines, like the monologue, his reading of viewer emails, the verbal "abuse" of the show's producer, and many many others.

Still, Ferguson never shied from serious conversations with his guests and sometimes indulged in philosophical discussions, displaying a broad understanding of the discipline.

His love of music, including the punk genre, was always part of the show, even when he and Geoff played with harmonicas.

Now that Ferguson has moved on, I feel an awkward pause in late night entertainment. I will miss the shenanigans.