Craig Ferguson, the former host of "The Late Late Show" on CBS, has transitioned his career focus, expressing minimal interest in a return to the late-night television landscape. Instead, he has found a renewed passion in hosting game shows and developing his podcast. His latest endeavor sees him at the helm of "Scrabble" for its second season, where he brings his unique comedic style and improvisational skills to the classic word game. Ferguson's evolution from a late-night personality to a versatile entertainer underscores his adaptability and continued presence in the entertainment industry.
Ferguson's tenure on "The Late Late Show," spanning a decade from 2005 to 2014, cemented his reputation for an unconventional and often hilarious approach to late-night talk. Despite the show's success and a devoted fanbase, he remains steadfast in his decision to not revisit that chapter of his career. He playfully compares the experience to a prison sentence, emphasizing his contentment with having completed it and moved on. This perspective is particularly noteworthy given CBS' recent decisions to conclude its late-night talk franchises, including "The Late Late Show" after James Corden's departure and Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" in May. Ferguson's detached view on these changes, stemming from his long-standing habit of not actively watching late-night television, reinforces his personal and professional distance from the format.
The comedian's journey into game show hosting began with "Celebrity Name Game," followed by History's "Join or Die With Craig Ferguson" and ABC's "The Hustler." His current role as the host of "Scrabble" on The CW, which premiered its second season on Thursday evening, aligns perfectly with his improvisational strengths. Ferguson reveals that his preparation for "Scrabble" is minimal, allowing for spontaneous interactions with contestants. He highlights the competitive spirit of Scrabble players, admitting they surpass his own skill level. This natural and unscripted approach to hosting often leads to extended taping sessions, with much of his witty banter and comedic digressions edited out to fit the broadcast schedule. He anticipates that these unreleased moments will eventually surface as B-roll or outtakes, much to the delight of his dedicated followers who appreciated his quirky humor on "The Late Late Show," where he famously featured a robot sidekick and puppets.
Beyond television, Ferguson has also ventured into the podcasting world with "Joy, a Podcast, Hosted by Craig Ferguson," launched in 2023. His preference for in-person interviews over virtual ones defines the show's format, showcasing his belief in leveraging his strengths in face-to-face communication. When unable to secure studio guests, he engages directly with his audience by answering their questions, maintaining a personal connection that resonates with his fans. Looking ahead, Ferguson is preparing for the next phase of his stand-up comedy tour, "Pants on Fire," commencing in February. He is currently weighing whether to transform this tour into a televised special, pondering the enduring value and potential regrets of such a production, a sentiment shared by other seasoned comedians like Jay Leno.
Craig Ferguson continues to explore diverse avenues in entertainment, from hosting game shows like "Scrabble" to engaging with audiences through his podcast and stand-up tours. His reflections on his past in late-night television reveal a contentment with his current path, emphasizing improvisation and genuine interaction. His fans can anticipate more of his distinctive humor and engaging presence across various media platforms.