The Essentials
“Craig Ferguson: American on Purpose” airs on Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET on CNN and is available to stream on Sundays on the CNN app for CNN streaming subscribers.
“The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” has been off the air for over 10 years now, but former viewers of the show may remember when the Scottish-born television host, actor, comedian and writer shared behind-the-scenes footage of the moment he became a US citizen. Now, years later, Ferguson is exploring the question of what it means to call the US home through his new CNN Original Series “Craig Ferguson: American on Purpose.”
A nod to the name of his 2009 memoir, the five-part series, which airs weekly, captures Ferguson as he embarks on a road trip across the country and connects with celebrities and everyday folks alike. When I asked Ferguson during a recent in-person interview what drew him to a project like this, his answer was simple. With America celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, he wanted to “make something that was positive and upbeat, and not political for America’s birthday,” he said.
Though the “American on Purpose” host said he couldn’t single out the most memorable stop from his road trip, he did not expect to fall in love with the Florida Everglades as much as his did. As for the best part of going on a cross-country road trip? Getting to experience all that America has to offer. “I fully believe that until you drive across America a couple of times, you haven’t really seen it,” he said.
