Fans Push for Craig Ferguson’s Return to Late-Night TV as Colbert Announces His Departure

In the wake of Stephen Colbert’s recent announcement that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert would be ending in May 2026, fans of Craig Ferguson have taken to social media to call for his return to late-night television. Many feel that Ferguson, who hosted The Late Late Show from 2005 to 2014, should have been the one to replace David Letterman instead of Colbert, and they believe his unique brand of humor would bring a fresh and entertaining perspective to late-night TV once again.

The Return of Ferguson: A Call for Change

Since Colbert’s announcement, social media has been abuzz with fans expressing their desire for Ferguson to reclaim the late-night throne. On X (formerly Twitter), numerous users voiced their opinions, with many agreeing that Ferguson would have been a much better fit for The Late Show than Colbert.

One fan wrote, “Craig Ferguson should have been the one to replace David Letterman. Colbert was never funny and, quite frankly, was an embarrassment most of the time! Craig, Ferguson, and Geoff were so much funnier that they would still be on today if CBS had been smart!” Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “Can we replace Stephen Colbert with somebody funny, like Craig Ferguson @CraigyFerg? (who should’ve had the gig, in the first place).”

Ferguson’s Legacy in Late-Night TV

Ferguson’s time hosting The Late Late Show was marked by its offbeat humor, irreverent style, and the beloved interactions between Ferguson and his robotic skeleton sidekick, Geoff Peterson. Many fans of his show fondly remember the chemistry he shared with Peterson, as well as his spontaneous, unfiltered approach to late-night hosting. Ferguson’s charm and wit were a refreshing departure from traditional late-night formats, and many feel that his unique voice has been absent from the genre ever since.

A frequent sentiment among Ferguson’s fans is that the show’s cancellation in 2014, along with Colbert’s appointment as the host of The Late Show, was a missed opportunity. As one fan put it, “The only Late Night show I ever watched regularly was Craig Ferguson. He should have had Dave’s spot, but instead, they gave it to Stephen Colbert, and now the time slot is dead. Well done, Hollywood.”

The Call for CBS to Bring Ferguson Back

As Colbert’s departure looms, there’s increasing chatter about the possibility of bringing Ferguson back to television. Fans believe that if CBS were to offer Ferguson the right deal and bring back his iconic crew—including Geoff Peterson—the network could not only resurrect the show but also reignite interest in the late-night space. One fan suggested, “Whoever owns CBS needs to get smart. Call [up] Craig Ferguson and offer him whatever he needs and wants to get the whole crew back for his old show. Especially the skeleton Jeff! He’ll be a ratings hit and guaranteed. Happy advertisers!”

Ferguson’s Post-Late-Night Career

Since his departure from The Late Late Show, Ferguson has remained active in the entertainment world. He has starred in several comedy specials, including Craig Ferguson: I’m Here to Help (2013), Craig Ferguson: Just Being Honest (2015), and Craig Ferguson: I’m So Happy (2025), which further solidified his standing as a beloved comedian and storyteller. Additionally, Ferguson has done voiceover work for the hit British TV series Doc Martin, and his writing and performing in comedy specials have kept him in the public eye.

A Missed Opportunity?

The overall sentiment from Ferguson’s fans is clear: they feel that his unique comedic sensibilities were overlooked when it came to late-night television’s evolution. Many still believe that The Late Late Show would have been more successful if Ferguson had been given the prime slot after Letterman’s retirement instead of Colbert. The fervor on social media following Colbert’s announcement only strengthens that argument, with many questioning why CBS didn’t take a chance on Ferguson’s one-of-a-kind style for the long-term.

Looking to the Future: Will CBS Listen?

As the late-night TV landscape continues to shift with Colbert’s impending departure, fans are hoping CBS will reconsider Ferguson as a candidate to fill the void. His return could not only revitalize a flagging time slot but also bring back the charm and unpredictability that made The Late Late Show a standout program during its heyday. Whether CBS will heed the calls for Ferguson’s return remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: The Late Show‘s impending exit has reignited fans’ love for the wit and humor of Craig Ferguson—and they’re hoping it’s not too late to bring him back to late-night television.