I’ve heard that Ferguson has a clause in his contract that guarantees him the job if he wants it.
That said, I’ve also heard that he doesn’t want it and would prefer to keep doing what he’s been doing since he has so much freedom with his current gig.
He would have been an interesting choice about five years ago. Then he plateaued, driving all the good stuff he did into the ground.
From the network standpoint, he’s too old and never drew the proper ratings among the 18-49 group. Seth Meyers is killing him in that demographic.
The big choice for CBS is to try to lure a Name or to build up somebody young and demographically interesting. CBS is both the most-watched network and the oldest-skewing one. Which audience do they pursue for late night? Maybe they’ll combine the two and make Jim Parsons the host.
I’ve watched Letterman since the NBC days. Even though I’ve grown a bit weary of the show (the phony-sounding audience responses to his every comment, funny or not, is grating), I’ll miss him. Is there anyone left in late night that isn’t a suck up? Letterman would never have suffered a fool like Sarah Palin as Fallon did this week. I’m told.
What about someone like Aisha Tyler?
I would love it if a woman took over. It’s high time there were more of them in late night.
Dave is pretty reclusive and I expect that after he retires, we won’t see him much. He’s become far too much of a grumpy old man lately, but I have nothing but respect for his long career.
Chelsea Handler announced she is leaving her basic cable show for another project. Could she be making the leap?
Uh…I should have said it’s high time for more women in late night as long as they aren’t Chelsea Handler. Not a fan, and I think her edges are way too rough for CBS.
I was thinking more along the lines of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
I just read an article stating that Stephen Colbert is considered a strong candidate to replace Letterman. He’d have to lose the Stephen Colbert character he plays, though. I’d miss the “Dead To Me” lists.
Here’s anarticle about it. I have a hard time seeing it though. He seems pretty happy in his perch at Comedy Central, where he’s given free reign to do pretty much whatever he wants. And I can’t imagine his schtick going over well on network TV.
He’d definitely have to lose the schtick.
Maybe Dave could do a Christmas special. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Darla Love and he and Jay knocking the meatball off the tree.
Darlene Love.
Plus Paul’s imitation of Cher singing “O Holy Night”.
“They’ll believe me, citizen!”
Probably.
Dude, Paul is a musical genius. He can do whatever he likes. I’m actually kind of surprised he didn’t quit the show years ago. He must like it quite a bit and, of course, it is regular work.
I can not find a link now, but I’m pretty sure he and Dave don’t really talk outside the show. Not that they don’t get along, but just that “show Dave” doesn’t mingle much with anyone(including Paul) outside the show. Obviously, they have a good relationship in the show. It’s been 33 years.
That’s cool. Where did you read that? I hope he takes it.
By the way, does anyone else remember that old NBC clip when Dave died on the show and Paul came over super happy yelling, “Yes!!! It’s all mine now!”
As someone who loves and never misses the Christmas show, I can report that Paul’s Cher imitation has been sadly missing from the show the last few years.
Letterman’s still on? :dubious:
Letterman is an icon he definitely the one guy who really brought something different to late night, things that seem old school now but were the gold standard for comedy, and light years away from what was on television.
Letterman was required viewing, things like Viewer Mail, Top Ten Lists, Stupid Pet Tricks/ Stupid Human Tricks, Dropping stuff off of buildings, it made me stay up to watch.
I think My favorite interview was Drew Barrymore’s birthday titty flash for Dave . I don’t think Dave was ready for it. :):D;)
I’m going to toss a vote for Ellen to take over. She’s a big enough “get” to compete against the “Jimmies” and although her daytime show is light, there is a bit of an edge that comes out from time to time, and she’s apparently made it known she’d like to go to late night. She would be a formidable alternative, and she would have the platform to get edgy without being off putting. Moreover, she made the Oscars enjoyable, her ability to host is really good stuff. She was a fave of Johnny Carson, so I suspect Dave wouldn’t have a problem with her.
I read that he’s the front runner and that he’s quite interested. His Comedy Central contract ends this year, which is nice timing.
You know, I’d be a little disappointed if Colbert made that move. I like his show as is. Even though I think I wouldn’t mind him “out of character”, he’d lose a lot of freedom moving to a major network and having to interview three of the latest people needing promotion.
eta: Though it might be smart career wise. More money and escaping a typecast.