Craig Ferguson Finalizing Deal for Syndicated Talk Show

Following his departure from CBS, Craig Ferguson may be close to landing a Syndicated talk show deadl.

According to Variety, the outgoing 'LATE LATE' host is finalizing a deal with Tribune Media for a 7 p.m. Syndicated show, as the group previously attempted with Arsenio Hall.

Per the report: "The show is targeted to bow in the fall of 2015. It's expected that Michael Naidus, exec producer of CBS' "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," will be on board as showrunner of the show that will blend comedy and talkshow elements. The intent is to rev up The Hour leading into Primetime with the Ferguson yakker paired at 7:30 p.m. with a prime sitcom rerun a la "Two and a Half Men" or "The Big Bang Theory.""

A replacement for Ferguson on CBS has yet to be announced, though the network is reportedly courting Tony winner James Corden to fill the spot.

Ferguson entered the world of late night comedy following a diverse career that encompasses film, television and the stage. Since taking the helm of THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON on Jan. 3, 2005, Ferguson has received an Emmy Award nomination, a Peabody Award for the show and has set all-time viewer records, achieving the highest ratings since the show's inception in 1995. On April 28, Ferguson announced that he will be stepping down as host of THE LATE LATE SHOW this December. Ferguson is set to host "Celebrity Name Game," a new syndicated game show that will debut in September 2014.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ferguson started in the entertainment industry as a drummer for some of the worst punk bands in the U.K., a profession he held for several years. Following his musical stint, he began bartending in a local pub in Glasgow where he was introduced to Michael Boyd, the artistic director of the Tron Theatre in Glasgow, who persuaded Ferguson to give acting a go. After several low-paying acting gigs, Ferguson discovered he had a knack for comedy, and was soon the star of his own BBC television show, "The Ferguson Theory."

Ferguson brought his act to America in 1995 to star with Betty White and Marie Osmond in the short-lived ABC comedy "Maybe This Time." He then joined "The Drew Carey Show," playing Drew Carey's boss, Nigel Wick, from 1996-2003.

Ferguson has had continued success on the North American comedy circuit. He has performed to sold-out theaters all over the country, including New York City's Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. Additionally, Ferguson has three widely acclaimed stand-up comedy specials: "A Wee Bit O' Revolution," "Does This Need To Be Said?" and "I'm Here to Help," which garnered him a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album.

Ferguson wrote the feature films "The Big Tease" and "Saving Grace." In 2003, he made his directorial debut with "I'll Be There," which he also starred in and wrote. The film went on to receive the Audience Award for Best Film at the Aspen, Dallas and Valencia film festivals. He was also named Best New Director at the Napa Valley Film Festival. Ferguson's other film credits include "Niagra Motel," "Lenny the Wonder Dog," "Prendimi l'anima," "Life Without Dick," "Chain of Fools" and "Born Romantic."

Ferguson's animated film credits include "Lord Macintosh" in the Academy Award-winning feature "Brave," "Gobber" in "How to Train Your Dragon" and "How to Train Your Dragon 2," and "Owl" in "Winnie the Pooh."

In April 2006, Ferguson debuted his first novel, Between The Bridge and The River, which became a critically acclaimed bestseller. In September 2009, Ferguson released his memoir (a New York Times bestseller) American On Purpose, an achingly funny account of living the American dream as he journeyed from a small town in Scotland to the entertainment capital of the world.

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