6 reasons why CBS would be stupid to fire Craig Ferguson
Even after Stephen Colbert was handed David Letterman's seat, the revolving door of CBS's late night lineup continues to spin, with rumours that Chelsea Handler may take over Craig Ferguson's "Late Late Show" spot.
In March, the "Chelsea Lately" host announced she was leaving E! when her contract is up at the end of the year — and this week, the Wrap confirmed that Handler was meeting with CBS.
CBS and Handler's manager denied that she would take over "The Late Late Show," claiming the comedian was in talks over a syndication deal. But CBS chief Les Moonves recently confirmed to Deadline that the network was "having conversations" with Ferguson regarding his contract, which also ends this year. According to the publication, the late night host's ratings are not up to snuff.
But who cares about ratings when you've got Ferguson in the room? The 51-year-old Scottish import has been charming late night audiences since he started hosting the "Late Late Show" in 2005. So just in case CBS does have secret plans to remove Ferguson from his late-night throne, here are six reasons it should think twice:
He flirts adorably with his guests
In 2013, French actress Berenice Marlohe nearly ate Ferguson up in front of the studio audience, while in 2008 Kristen Bell offered to marry him (and really, any time Kristen Bell is on his show, it's a win). His reputation with women is so well-established that there is a YouTube page devoted to "Craig Ferguson and the ladies."
His robot sidekick, Geoff
Chelsea Handler has Chuy, Letterman has Paul Shaffer, and Jay Leno had Kevin Eubanks. But Ferguson is the only late-night host to go sci-fi, preferring to chat with Geoff, his robot skeleton sidekick. Voiced by Josh Robert Thompson, his chemistry with Ferguson is unparalleled.
His unorthodox (and even heartfelt) monologues
Ferguson refuses to copy the "set-up/joke, set-up/joke" format for his opening monologues, and it makes for a refreshing change of pace. And sometimes his opening speeches even take a more serious note, as one did in 2007, when he declined to rake a struggling Britney Spears across the coals, having battled his own addiction issues.
His bizarre and amazing sketches
Ferguson mixes layers of pop culture knowledge to create complex and hilarious bits, such as a 2010 sketch in which he paired "Murder She Wrote's" heroine with Batgirl, played by Jeffrey Tambor.
His respect for his peers
Ferguson gave late night foe Jay Leno some much-needed support after he was ousted from "The Tonight Show" earlier this year. "Good luck, buddy," Ferguson said. "And remember, kids at home, if you work hard and you succeed and you get to the top, someday you'll be fired."
His never-ending love for "Doctor Who"
Ferguson is an unabashed "Doctor Who" nerd, even devoting an entire episode to stars of the show back in 2010. He had even planned a "Who"-themed cold open, but CBS had to scrap it when it couldn't get the rights in time. Luckily, the bit leaked onto the Internet soon after, and Ferguson eventually did get to show it on the air.
Come on, CBS — Craig Ferguson is clearly everything we want in a late-night host, and so much more.
