by Christopher Milz
December 19th will see Craig Ferguson, host of CBS’s The Late Late Show, step down from his duties. In his ten years in the 12:35 time slot he has created what is arguably one of the most passionate fan bases of any late-night talk show with his odd quirks and style of presenting the show.
Though unorthodox in some conventions, late-night talk shows will be different upon Ferguson’s departure from the show. And it’s unlikely that TV will see many more that host a show as he did.
When tuning in to The Late Late Show, one is greeted by a Scotsman accompanied by his sidekick. Rather than having a human sidekick, such as David Letterman’s Paul Shaffer, Ferguson is complimented by the animatronic robot skeleton Geoff Peterson. Adorned in an oversized suit, complete with a Price Is Right nametag with the name “GEOFF” scribbled on it, Peterson is voiced and controlled by comedian Josh Robert Thompson. All dialogue between Ferguson and Peterson is 100% improvised, which has led to Ferguson breaking down in laughter to the point of tears on many occasions.
Also unique is Secretariat, the pantomime horse that sits in a stable off to the side of the stage, occasionally coming forward to catch frisbees thrown by Ferguson.
But perhaps the most unique aspect of Ferguson’s show lies in the guest interviews. At the beginning of each guest segment Ferguson is seen tearing up the cards he is given to guide the interview, opting to conduct everything on his own. Instead of sitting in a business-like manner at the desk he turns towards his guest, sitting very casually, bordering on unprofessionally, and proceeds to talk with his guest in a manner that is more conversational than interview-like.
Ferguson’s style is, by and large, lost in the world of late-night TV, where various activities with the guests occur on almost any other talk show. Ferguson, instead, keeps his show as simple as possible with the interviews being straightforward, and no band to distract from the show.
Ferguson’s brand of oddity and sincerity will be a loss to the late-night lineup. But, because of these aspects, it will also set a large precedent for incoming host James Corden and all who will follow in the years to come.
