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Is Craig Ferguson as good as Conan?

by Joel Keller, posted Dec 1st 2005 7:22PM
Craig FergusonBoy, does time fly. Believe it or not, it's been almost a year since Craig Ferguson permanently took over The Late Late Show, after being deemed the best of the guest hosts that filled in after Craig Kilborn left the CBS show in one of the dumbest contract ploys of all time (what the heck is he doing nowadays, anyway?).

As this interview shows, the new Craig has become very comfortable in his new role. "I know now what I am. I'm this. Whatever this is. Now that I know this it's really helped me in my life," he tells Cynthia Littleton of The Hollywood Reporter. You can tell Craig is at ease in front of the camera every time he delivers one of his patented monolouges, which early on evolved from a series of bad jokes into a combination of observation and storytelling that definitely plays to Ferguson's comedic strengths.

One thing is certain: he's made viewers completely forget about the smug Kilborn. I for one could never stomach Kilborn and his frat-boy comedy; it seemed to be somewhere on the sophistication scale between "picking your nose for amusement" and "Jimmy Kimmel". I was pretty much a Conan O'Brien loyalist that only tuned over to Kilborn if some hot starlet was on (isn't that why every guy watches any late night talk show after the monolouge?).

But now I've been finding myself watching Ferguson's monolouge fairly regularly. His free-association is genuine and often very funny, and it seems a lot less tired than the one-liners that Conan is given on a daily basis. And, the new Craig seems to be fairly adept at interviews, as well; he's engaged and interested in his guests and doesn't look like he's looking for an opportunity to slip in a self-serving joke, as Conan always seems to be doing.

Of course, when it comes to bits and sketches, Conan still has it all over Craig. Any show that's generated Triumph, the masturbating bear, If They Mated, and In The Year 2000 is going to stay on top for quite a long time (although, for some reason, I like Craig's tounge-wagging impression of Larry King). So, for now, Conan is still ahead of Craig overall, but the gap is closing, quality-wise. At the very least, I now have a choice of shows to watch if it's 12:30 and I have writer's block. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

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Abby Rhodes

I wanted to add that Craig has not betrayed his roots. He makes fun of his past, Scotland included. I think he does a lot for his people just by the ruthless way the English monarchy is portrayed in his sketches. I hope Craig does not feel constrained to address any subject or issues. Free speech and all that!

December 30 2005 at 8:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Barbara Campbell

Craig is so far superior to Conan, there's no comparison. His monologues are real monologues and he's a great storyteller. Conan is a buffoon.
Craig's interviews are intelligent and wonderful, though sometimes not long enough. Conan doesn't even listen to the people he interviews. He makes everything about him.
Yes, Craig is better and once Conan takes over for Leno, NBC will be in bigger trouble than it is now.

December 30 2005 at 4:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Abby Rhodes

David Letterman is THE King of Comedy. Craig Ferguson is awesome. I watch his show AND tape it every night to watch again during the weekend. I also LOVED Craig Kilborn and was sad when he gave us a 2-week notice. I have his final week's show on tape. Bottomline, I love both Craigs. All because of Letterman's comedic judgment.

Haven't watched Conan in years.

Sorry, folks. Cannot stand Leno. Yeuck!

December 22 2005 at 6:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Billy Bones

He's a jackass and an insult to Scots and Scotland. He has sold out his nationality. Whenever he says "I can't go back", I say "We don't want you back". A complete traitor to his people, culture and nation.

December 22 2005 at 5:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jim Hubbell

Conan was funny long ago, but now he's just silly and far too full of himself. I think he's run out of ideas. Ferguson has him beat by a mile because he's genuinely funny and has a pleasing disposition. His "cheeky wee monkeys" and e-mail address has grown a bit stale, but overall he's the funniest guy on late night TV right now.

December 14 2005 at 12:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joan Hunt

Craig Ferguson trumps all other late night talk show hosts. Conan is still playing the big kid card, Letterman is good as always, Leno is irritating, and Craig? Well, he uses charm, gentlemanly behavior, wit, intelligence, and genuine interest in his guests to drive the show. He's the closest we've had to Johnny Carson since Johnny (RIP) left late night TV.

December 09 2005 at 11:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mario

The thing with conan is that he peaks. Smart guy but he's got this ceiling of improvement. Neurotic, cynical people are usually like this. For instance, self deprecating humor is good once in a while but neurotic people use it OFTEN or as an escape. Also, personal things that cause Conan embrassment cause him to go silent. Which is a nono for talk show hosts. Larry King once gave him tips on interviewing, which he then made fun of. Conan doesnt listen too well. He doesnt always need to be the 'star' or interesting one of the show. Just look at Jon Stewart, everyone's interesting on that show, even the guests. What Conan has, is an eye for writing talent. That makes him a good producer, not late show host. In an episode of the Simpsons, Bart once visited Conan O' Brien and Conan said: "Only I can dance, you sit there." Which is the Simpson's way of telling Conan O'Brien to be less self-centered. That's my analysis. I adore the COB show but it's hard to watch the interviewees chafe under Conan. James Presley's daughter was on the show once and you could tell she absolutely hated him. She might be a bitch but a late show host must be universally likable. That's jus the biz.

December 08 2005 at 12:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sylvia Lawley

I've only been watching Craig a few months ago, and immediately fell in love with him. He is so funny, warm, and addictive. And I think he should have been the Sexiest Man Alive. He looks like he could be Al Pacino's brother, and his humor makes him even more attractive. And his being non-homophobic with his jokes about he and other men makes him even more special and down-to-earth. Craig is such a good actor! He sounds so pitiful and adorable when he "writes letters," it makes me want to send him money, and I'm very poor! His Michael Caine is dead-on target! I don't care for the Camilla jokes, and I got a weary of seeing "Larry King's tongue," but even so, you can have Letterman, Leno, and all the rest. All I need is this cutie Craig who never fails to make me laugh like I've never laughed before.

December 06 2005 at 11:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joy

I just "discovered" Craig Ferguson recently, but I'm already totally hooked! He's hilarious! NO late-night talk show host has made me laugh that much in a VERY long time! (Carson was cool.) Dave's too sarcastic; only like Leno reading funny newspaper ads/notices; Conan--tried to watch him--can NOT stand him! Egotistical!! Big time! So I'm a brand-new fan of Craig! I literally laugh out loud--he's so refreshing & funny! I'm sick of cynical sarcasm. Craig is a wonderful breath of fresh air--and love that accent!

December 06 2005 at 3:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ruth Forester

The question comes to mind, what is the purpose of gathering these comments? Thanks,for giving us opportunity to express our impressions and preferences!

December 05 2005 at 9:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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