Craig Ferguson has followed up David Letterman for ten years with the Late Late Show, but last night was his last performance as host. The Scottish comedian was passed over for the Late Show job; Stephen Colbert is taking over next spring after Letterman retires. Colbert himself signed off The Colbert Report just Thursday night with a slew of celebrities.
Ferguson had his fair share of celebs, but it was pretty low key for the zany host, whose show often had an unconventional format. Jay Leno was his final interview guest—of course, the former Tonight Show host gave the reins to Jimmy Fallon earlier this year and has been doing standup since then.
Instead of the monologue, the show opened with a musical performance of "Bang the Drum" featuring Steve Carrell, Ray Romano, Kristen Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeff Daniels, Jack Black, Marion Cotillard, William Shatner, Ted Danson, Jimmy Kimmel, Don Cheadle, Jon Hamm, Mila Kunis and even Desmond Tutu.
He ended with homages to The Bob Newhart Show with the help of Drew Carey (Newhart himself was revealed to be inside the dancing horse costume), St. Elsewhere and The Sopranos. Ferguson has reportedly struck a deal with Tribune Media for a new show that would air earlier in the night, though he didn't talk specifics. British comedian James Corden will take over the Late Late Show on March 23.
[via Variety]
