MovieChat Forums > The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005) Discussion > Good news - bad news day for Craig (re C...

Good news - bad news day for Craig (re Celeb Name Game & Rumored Talker)

posted 10 years ago by bgrhu
11 replies | jump to latest

The bad news, Craig's rumored "prime access" talk show appears to be benched (for now, anyway). From Variety:

http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/craig-ferguson-syndicated-talkshow-not -moving-forward-1201396039/

Tribune Broadcasting has ended its effort to launch a nightly talkshow hosted by Craig Ferguson.

The station group was behind the effort to launch a half-hour talk-variety strip designed to air in early evening timeslots starting fall 2015. But the roadblock was securing clearances in other key markets. Tribune and prospective distrib Debmar-Mercury could not line up enough affiliates to make the show viable.

The good news, Celebrity Name Game has been renewed for a second season. Also from Variety:

http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/celebrity-name-game-renewed-for-second -season-1201395797/

The syndie strip “Celebrity Name Game” will return for a second season in the fall. The Craig Ferguson-hosted syndie gameshow, produced by FremantleMedia North America and distribbed by Debmar-Mercury, has done credible business for stations since its September debut. Key station affiliates Tribune Broadcasting and Sinclair Broadcast Group have given the season-two greenlight, ensuring that the show will stick around through the 2015-16 season.

[–] Electric-101 10 years ago

I dont know what Celebrity Name Game is, but that news about his new show is extremely disappointing. I was looking forward to seeing Ferguson and the sidekicks back under a similar but different format. It might not happen for years now if ever.

[–] bgrhu 10 years ago

Celeb Name Game is a silly little game show he's hosting - like Password (but not, for legal reasons). It's no TLLS, but it's entertaining enough. Here's a clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGzi2OqFnRw (And their website is http://www.celebnamegame.com/)

The talk show probably wasn't going to be until fall 2016 anyway. But yeah, disappointing. I don't think this will be his last try at getting some kind of talky show going, though. And this may, in the long run, be a good setback.

[–] jjstauffer-1 10 years ago

If Craig really wants to do another talk show, he really needs to consider pay cable like HBO where he can cuss all he wants and do almost whatever he wants. That, or he needs to do a web series or Netflix or something where he's not stuck with all the limitations that most TV shows have.

[–] cardifan 10 years ago

A podcast would be good too. Something about Craig and Josh's banter reminds me of the kind between a radio show host and producer.

[–] jjstauffer-1 10 years ago

A podcast would be good too.

But there's a million people doing podcasts. Even Josh has one. 

[–] cardifan 10 years ago

An erm.. syndicated podcast?!

[–] wildcat2000 10 years ago

That's really disappointing news. Another show coming around the corner was the only thing that made him leaving TLLS easier to take. I guess it could still happen. Just delayed for now.

Celebrity Name Game is ok. Don't see how long it can last though. Eventually you'll run out of celebrities and categories to put them in.

It amazes me though because some people struggle soooo much giving clues to the most familiar celebrities. They pass or start babbling elaborate descriptions when most of the time you just need 1 phrase to describe someone.

I remember someone was struggling to describe Dick Clark, to the celebrity players I think. All they needed to say was New Years Rocking Eve and/or $25,000 Pyramid. How can people be so stupid? This happens so many times.

[–] bgrhu 10 years ago

Is there ever a shortage of new "celebrities" popping up? LOL! I do see how it could get limitied, but it's another thing he's said he doesn't want to do forever, so... *shrug*

It is baffling, some of the clues they give, but you have to remember they're under the pressure of the clock. It's a much easier game to play from the safety of your couch. :)

[–] wildcat2000 10 years ago

Ya I hear the "under pressure" thing for Family Feud too. Still some of the struggles or answers are totally ridiculous. Like some celebrities only need 1 thing mentioned and you automatically know who it is.

It's like they lose their minds.

I'm not trying to be mean it's just absurd.

[–] footballdeb 10 years ago

Every time Tom Selleck's name appears, I always think...Magnum, PI!!! But, they hardly ever say it...drives me crazy!

Debbie

[–] bgrhu 10 years ago

I'd love to see him do a video podcast thingie, like Larry King or Kevin Pollak. Complete freedom, as frequently as he likes, talk as long as he likes, to whomever he likes, and say whatever he likes.