I’ve been getting subtle hints that I should expand my reviews to include The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. I admit that I’ve resisted discussing Late Late up until now because, well, honestly, it’s a challenging show to review. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Ferguson’s humor, and it’s refreshing to watch a show that isn’t as tightly scripted as the other late night options. The downside, however is that he’s not a soundbite kinda guy, which makes it difficult to pick out specific bits that come across as funny when re-told here. Attempts end up being multiple, “guess you had to be there” kinda things.

For example, his monologue last night was basically one long story that as a whole was entertaining and made me laugh, but it didn’t leave me with any one- or two-line jokes that I can list. So, since you had to be there, you can watch it here. But hurry before they take it down:

The desk segment was spent answering viewer emails. It was a pretty funny segment. Ferguson is really great at improvisational entertainment. Again, enjoy it before it’s taken down.

Madeline Albright was the first couch guest. She was Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton. They spent the first half of the interview talking about her new book Read My Pins, and the second half talking about becoming American citizens and the American experience. I wouldn’t have thought that Albright and Ferguson would mesh well together, but they did and the interview was good. Ferguson had some goofy moments and Albright played along with them nicely.

Rodrigo y Gabriela was the musical guest. They were really great:

Good show. I’ll try and review more of them in the future. I give it:

- Woody

I forgot to program the DVR to record either the Late Show or the Late Late Show last night. Luckily there is a rabid fan out there kind enough to cut up the latter into its segments and post it on YouTube within a few hours of its broadcast. CBS, by comparison, takes a week.

Ferguson began his show with a funny pre-opening credit rant that is worth watching:

His monologue was decent, but overall I don’t think it’s worth posting. Here is the one monologue-type joke he made:

Bernie Madoff. Do you remember Bernie Madoff? You know Bernie Madoff: takes your money, runs away. Well, he’s still in prison, which is good news, and his personal items are being auctioned off today: his collectable Mets jacket going for 500 bucks. his watch going for $8000, his ass going for four cartons of cigarettes.

The first desk segment was Craig sitting at his desk and talking about whatever came into his head. It was fine but can be skipped. The second segment was answering viewer emails with George W. Bush. It was fine too, but can be skipped it as well.

Kenneth Branagh was the couch guest. He was promoting the new movie Pirate Radio. I haven’t seen Kenneth in much, so I don’t have much of an opinion of him. The interview was great, however, and is worth watching for their hilarious interaction.

The Swell Season was supposed to be the musical guest, but the show ran out of time, which is a bummer cause I was looking forward to hearing them.

Good show. I give it:

- Woody

I’m reviewing last Friday’s Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson for a few reasons. First, I think the late night hosts are off this week, but even if they aren’t, I won’t be around later today to watch a Monday night show. Second, NPH was a guest, so that’s reason enough to watch and review it. Third, I think Craig may be growing on me. I’ll probably need to see a doctor or something.

The monologue was pretty funny and is worth watching I think:

The desk segment was Craig answering viewer email. It was ok, but I’m going to save 7 minutes of your life and recommend you skip it.

Neil Patrick Harris was the couch guest. The interview was great:

David Gray was the musical guest. He rocked.

Good show. I give it:

- Woody