Funniest man on TV: Craig Ferguson
I don’t watch much TV, but one of my favorite things to watch is Craig Ferguson’s Late Late show on CBS.
He’s been on after Letterman there for years and despite how funny he is, and how good the show is, very people seem to have ever heard of the guy.
The LA Times just did a great piece about him and the show that captures much of why I like it so much:
“We have no promotion, we’ve got no money — it’s the cheapest budget of any of the late-night shows — probably Carson Daly’s too. We get nothing. But we do have a huge advantage in that they let us do what we want. And I would take that trade.”
The lack of autonomy always explains mediocrity. In companies, in teams, in movies and on TV. It’s often the corners, where fewer people are looking, that the good stuff is happening.
Given the freedom he clearly has, there is something wonderfully unhinged and real about his behavior on the show, something unlike anything else on major television. His monologues in particular are more like live stand-up comedy with an A-list comic working a B-list town, free to take risks, than the top tier late night shows where the star and the staff can’t hide the weight of national Nielsen ratings on every syllable. He’s something of an opposite of Jay Leno, who has always seemed so stiff and formulaic to me. Conan I always liked, but Ferguson is a bit darker, with a sharper blade, and it’s never quite clear what’s going to happen.
Read the full article here, or jump right in and check out his show.
As a fellow Scot, I’m well aware of Mr.Ferguson, particularly from his earliest, comic, creation “Bing Hitler”.
Hence the dark stand-up comedy side to his monologues.
I agree completely, having watched a few of his monologues during that weirdly huge issue with Conan/Leno etc, he hasn’t lost his biting edge.
I couldn’t agree w/ u more! He is very unique and honest. The best on TV for sure!
Craig Ferguson is one of very few “celebrities” who are honest enought to truly admit his faults, and also he is one of very, very few who are able to use those faults in his favor and make jokes about it. I believe the reason why his fans are so connected to him, it is exactly because of his honest and humbleness to admit his mistakes.In fact,I believe The Late Late Show is the only night TV show that people tune into to watch the host, regardless of who the guests is. Netherless to say, he is the best!
I’ve been an admirer of Craig Ferguson’s Late Late Show since he was among the ranks of the many auditioners for the job. It was obvious from the start that there was something fresh and comfortable him. In addition to be at times hilariously funny, he is among of the best interviewers on TV (let alone late night). There hasn’t been anyone with that combination of qualities on TV since Cavett.
Please don’t ever let him get (a) a sidekick, (b) a band, (c) on CBS’s radar!
@ Marie. “Don’t ever let him get a sidekick.” ???
Wha??? Did you miss the part about the robot skeleton that’s currently being created by Grant Imahara, master of robotics over at MythBusters? It’s slated to be Craig’s sidekick and the leader of the robot skeleton army amassing in the hollowed out volcano.
Sayrock: I did note with trepidation the creation of a robot sidekick, but it is my suspicion that Craig will soon tire of such a thing since it’s a gimmick. Or maybe it will be really funny and I won’t care. Still, a robot sidekick is better than a ridiculous human one.
Totally agree. He’s awesome. Here’s an NYT feature on him from last year: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/arts/television/29fergus.html?_r=2&partner=TOPIXNEWS&ei=5099
His irreverence reminds you of Conan before all eyes were on him as the “heir apparent.”
…I just finished Ferguson
I have a really hard time understanding his humour, reminds me a bit like letterman, not funny in the slightest, is it some weird american humour? (Though I do like some american comedies!) What I find even weirder is the intensity of laughter from the audience when some of the jokes for me really aren’t in the slightest funny. I find his humour is too easy. None the less he seems like a nice bloke. I also like that his chat show isn’t a platform for advertisements, the guests aren’t necessarily promoting a film or new album, but appear just have a laugh and good time.