Summary
Craig Ferguson is/was a master of saying really dirty stuff in ways that got past the censors.
Long version
He really leaned into that joke and did it over and over until it became a parody of itself within the parody that was his whole show. I thought it was hilarious.
Man, I miss that show. Still, I realize it couldn't be done today. He was too open, too flirty, too honest with his humor. The twitterati and the cancel culture and the #MeToo folks would have fallen on his head like a ton of bricks. Although I was highly incensed when he quit because I thought he had so much more to give, I now realize he exited that particular stage at exactly the perfect time.
In tribute, something out of character for that show but still fun, the opening of the last episode. See how many of the guests and recurring characters you can still recognize.
Craig Ferguson is/was a master of saying really dirty stuff in ways that got past the censors.
Long version
I used to love the way Craig Ferguson (the finest major network late night talk show host since Johnny Carson) would invite his guests to enjoy a rusty trombone. Some had no idea and some just stared in shock. Either way, he'd reach under his desk and pull out an old trombone.
He really leaned into that joke and did it over and over until it became a parody of itself within the parody that was his whole show. I thought it was hilarious.
Man, I miss that show. Still, I realize it couldn't be done today. He was too open, too flirty, too honest with his humor. The twitterati and the cancel culture and the #MeToo folks would have fallen on his head like a ton of bricks. Although I was highly incensed when he quit because I thought he had so much more to give, I now realize he exited that particular stage at exactly the perfect time.
In tribute, something out of character for that show but still fun, the opening of the last episode. See how many of the guests and recurring characters you can still recognize.
