The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Late-night humor with a Scottish flair; aimed at adults.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this late-night show, hosted by Scottish-born comedian Craig Ferguson, offers lots of fun but adult-oriented humor. Expect a fair bit of sexual innuendo and salty language (words like “ass," "damn," and “hell” are audible, while stronger words are bleeped). Ferguson is a recovering alcoholic and occasionally talks about his addiction (and his sobriety). Episodes have also included serious discussions about topics like the death of his parents and becoming a naturalized citizen. Note: Most teens who watch late-night shows like this check them out on a "time-shift" basis via DVR or online clips, rather than at the original 11:30 p.m.-or-later air time -- which is better for their sleep habits!

  • The series pokes fun at a variety of issues, but Ferguson has also used the show to share his feelings about more serious topics such as the loss of his parents, becoming an American citizen, and staying sober.
  • While Ferguson is certainly no stranger to sly jokes, he's not overly mean-spirited, and he has refused to make jokes at the expense of celebrities struggling with addiction. Ferguson is a Scottish immigrant who has become a proud American citizen.
  • Not applicable.
  • Some of Ferguson’s monologues and some interviews contain some strong sexual innuendo. References to issues like sexual harassment (usually in a humorous way). Skits/sequences can include images such as a shirtless man in tight leather pants.
  • Words like “ass," "damn," and “hell” are audible. Stronger words, including profanity spoken in other languages, are bleeped. Silly bathroom humor includes words like “fart”.
  • The series is a promotional vehicle for celebrities and musicians.
  • Ferguson is a recovering alcoholic and occasionally talks about his journey to sobriety (during one episode, he refused to make jokes about Britney Spears’ problems with addiction).

What's the story?

Hosted by Scottish-American comedian Craig Ferguson, THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON is a late night talk/comedy show anchored by Ferguson's personable monologues and wacky comedy sketches, many of which are enhanced by puppets and/or computer graphics. Audience members are occasionally invited to participate in the on-stage fun, and interviews with actors, musicians, and other well-known celebs round out the entertainment.


Is it any good?

 

The Late Late Show, which was previously hosted by Tom Snyder and Craig Kilborn, offers the typical lighthearted fare that viewers hve come to expect from late-night entertainment. Ferguson’s easygoing manner makes the pacing of the segments seem a bit slower than other late-night comedy programs, and the absence of an in-house band also takes away a little of the show's punch.

Despite these details, Ferguson’s observations about life in America, paired with his Scottish charm, make the show fun to watch. His willingness to share very personal details about his life -- including the death of his father, his battle with addiction, and his excitement about becoming an American citizen -- also gives the show a lot of heart. Overall, it may not be the most flamboyant late-night option, but it has successfully found its way into many night owls' hearts.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about what makes a late-night TV talk show successful. Is it the host? The jokes? The guests?

  • How do late-night shows influence other areas of the media?

  • What are the differences between American-style humor and European-style humor? Which do you like better?


This review of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson was written by
Kid, 12 years old
January 1, 2010
 
The Best Late-Night Show!
I watch it every night!
What other families should know:

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Parent of 13 year old
October 1, 2009
 
the funniest of the late night talk shows
It's a late night talk show, full of sexual jokes. Ferguson is very charming and lovable.
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Adult
February 12, 2010
 
A good laugh
He's a good guy and a good example of not making fun of people with hard problems.
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Teen, 15 years old
October 3, 2009
 
Craig Ferguson is absolutely hilarious, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 14 due to language and innuendos.
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This review of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson was written by
TV rating:TV-14
Network:CBS
Cast:Craig Ferguson
Genre:Comedy

This review of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson was written by
 

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