Dear Craig,
I loved the Monday, September 19, 2005, show. Heck, I like all of your shows. Technically, by the time it airs, it’s really Tuesday, but who am I to quibble over details? Still, I like your show and I like you.
Since you've taken over for Kilborn, I've made it a point to tune in to The Late Late Show on CBS. Your goofy humor, your gentle charm, those twinkling eyes - who could resist? And the accent. Ahh, the accent. It's all wonderful. I never thought I could watch the show after the departure of Tom Snyder, but you’ve convinced me that late night television is a good thing.
Your opening monologue on the Emmys was great. I really enjoy the fact that you approached the awards show as the sweet tender virgin you were. Virgin - in the sense that it was your first time. At the Emmys, that is.
By the way, I thought you did a lovely job as a presenter even if you did have to share the stage with Sela Ward. I considered your appearance one of the highlights of the show. You were one of the few actors who didn't come across as wooden or disconnected. Bravo!
Let’s get back to your show. You didn't read my letter on TV and I'm okay with that. Avi, whoever that is, got airtime, but I didn't. It’s okay. Really. I'll get over it. How could I not forgive you?
Your first guest of the night was Cybill Shepherd. I'm not sure what to think about her anymore. I don't know why. I used to love her. Moonlighting was one of my favorite programs back in the day. I never saw her eponymous sitcom. By the time that came out, she had already lost her appeal to me. Sometimes I like her, sometimes I don't. Anyhow, you had me giggling over Cybill’s history with Elvis. I always forget that she dated him.
"Was he a good kisser?" Only you could ask something like that. How is it that you get away with asking female guests questions about whether or not their leading men are hairy and still come across as devastatingly hetero? I'm not complaining. I think it's dead sexy! Plus, you said "lubricate".
I let out a big laugh at the Martha and Diddy rap clip. Even Cybill seemed to like it.
Article comments
1 - Bob A. Booey
Would you let that Scot teabag you, Joan?
I don't really care for the show, but the influence of former Tonight Show exec producer and current Late Late Show producer Peter Lassalle is obvious in the many Carson-like dress-up sketches they're doing. It seems like they have one every night, or some bit with Tim Meadows as a fake correspondent. That's really very old-school vaudeville, to have your host dress up like a woman or wear a bad mustache so it's barely a costume.
Ferguson's ratings are apparently up over Kilborn's, but the problem is that they're among older viewers and not the prime advertiser demographics. I'm not sure the Lassalle approach will help him get those younger viewers.
That is all.
2 - Joanie
I like the silliness of the show. Ferguson has a gentle touch and is quite affable.
As for what I would or would not allow someone to do to me, I guess you'll have to add that one to your list of unsolved mysteries.
3 - Ruthie
He presented with Sela Ward? Didn't even notice him! She had everyone's attention!