Watch The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, which aired on CBS from 2005 to 2015, was a late-night talk show that featured a mix of comedy, interviews, and music. Unlike other talk shows that follow a rigid format, Craig Ferguson's show was known for its free-form style, which allowed for more improvisation and spontaneity.

The show began with Ferguson's signature monologue, which often included jokes about current events and pop culture. He would sometimes interact with the audience during this segment, getting their opinions on various topics or even inviting them up on stage for impromptu skits.

After the monologue, Ferguson would typically have a brief conversation with his trusty sidekick, Geoff Peterson. Geoff was a robot skeleton with a 100% real personality, according to Ferguson. He was operated by Josh Robert Thompson, who provided his voice and puppeteered his movements. Geoff added a unique dynamic to the show, often serving as a foil to Ferguson's humor or getting into arguments with him.

The rest of the show consisted of interviews with celebrity guests, sketches, and musical performances. Ferguson's unorthodox interviewing style often led to more spontaneous and memorable moments than other talk shows. He would sometimes ask his guests offbeat or personal questions, like whether they regretted any of their tattoos or what they believed happened after we die.

Another staple of the show was the "Secretariat Cam," which featured a person in an elaborate horse costume with a camera mounted on their head. The camera would give a horse's-eye view of the studio audience or catch Ferguson off guard as he walked around.

In addition to its unique format, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson was also known for its innovative use of technology. Ferguson was one of the first late-night hosts to embrace social media, frequently tweeting and encouraging his viewers to do the same. He also used Skype to conduct interviews with guests who couldn't make it to the studio, a practice that has since become common on other talk shows.

Another notable feature of the show was its in-house band, the "Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show Orchestra" (later renamed the "Bone Patrol"). The group was led by Scottish musician Michael Andrews and played a range of genres, from jazz to rock.

Throughout its tenure, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson consistently received critical acclaim for its originality and humor. It won multiple Emmy Awards and was admired by other comedians for its offbeat style. In its final episode in 2014, Ferguson bid farewell to his loyal audience, saying "It's been a great day for America." The show then ended with a musical number and a final shot of Geoff Peterson, his eyes slowly shutting off.

Overall, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson was a unique and beloved contribution to the world of late-night talk shows. Its freewheeling style, memorable characters, and innovative use of technology have left a lasting impression on viewers and comedians alike.