Why Didn't Craig Ferguson Replace David Letterman on the Late Show?

The question of whether Craig Ferguson would replace David Letterman on the Late Show has long puzzled audiences and critics alike. Contrary to popular belief, Ferguson did not want to take over the 11:30 PM slot that preceded his show, and his departure from the Late Late Show had nothing to do with his not being considered for the position after Letterman's retirement.

Understanding Ferguson's Perspective

In an interview with The Daily Beast, Craig Ferguson clarified that his resignation from the Late Late Show in 2014 was not related to Letterman's retirement or his failure to be considered for the successor role. Ferguson resolutely stated, “Why the fuck would I want to do that? It’s horseshit.” This statement suggests that Ferguson's decision was about the format and his personal preferences rather than the opportunity to replace Letterman.

Personal Reasons Behind Ferguson's Departure

Despite the widespread rumors and assumptions, Ferguson's exit was more about his personal experiences and preferences in the late-night television landscape. As he explained, he had grown weary of being part of a group of comedians he did not entirely resonate with. "You see one of the major things that I got weary of in late-night was being part of a gang I didn't want to be a part of. They're all a great group of guys—nothing against them!—I just didn't join that band. I felt… pigeonholed is too strong a word. But I felt that I wanted to do something different."

The End of an Era for Ferguson

By the time Ferguson finished his Late Late Show in 2014, he had done 103 episodes, making it one of the longest-lasting shows in late-night television history. In his final interview, Ferguson expressed relief at leaving the late-night format but acknowledged his pride in the show's legacy. "I don't miss it though. The thing is as much as we enjoyed Ferguson's take on the late-night format it's a format that he perhaps unsurprisingly considering how often he denigrated it never warmed to."

Reflections on Letterman and Ferguson's Relationship

During his interview with Howard Stern, published in March 2017, Ferguson reflected on his relationship with David Letterman. He shared a candid and humorous account of what it was like to work alongside one of television's greatest icons. Ferguson's insights shed light on the dynamic between them and the unique nature of their working relationship in the late-night world.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Ferguson's decision to leave the late-night arena was a significant moment for the genre. However, it did not mark the end of his career. Ferguson believes that his identity and brand have remained unaffected. "At first it was a little strange. But I was relieved to get out. I remember it very fondly. I don’t miss it though. I didn’t miss it even when it was going great. The thing is as much as we all enjoyed Ferguson’s take, it's a format that he never warmed to as much as we expected. " Ferguson's use of analogies, such as comparing it to David Bowie and his alter ego Ziggy, further emphasizes his point. "I haven't ceased to be me or ceased to perform and do what I do. What I did is… I guess I stopped dressing as Ziggy. It’s still me but it’s not that me."

Conclusion

Craig Ferguson's decision to leave the late-night world was a culmination of personal and professional considerations. His legacy on the Late Late Show will remain a significant milestone, but his broader career aspirations extend beyond the late-night format. Ferguson's clarity and honesty in addressing these questions offer valuable insights into the complexities of television careers and the personal choices that shape them.