Craig Ferguson appears at MGM Grand at Foxwoods

As it has been since its debut in 2004, "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" is the coolest and, arguably, best of America's late night talk shows.

And that's because, unlike his peers in the 11 p.m to 1:30 a.m. broadcast firmament, Ferguson doesn't come off as conventional talk show host.

Ferguson's CBS show is, in a sense, an heir to David Letterman's "anti-talk show" that the legend mastered in his old 12:30 slot on NBC.

But whereas Letterman's old show was soaked in irony, Ferguson's material is warmer and seeks and often finds a bond with the audience.

Perhaps it's because Ferguson got his start on stage in the late 1970s, playing in Glaswegian punk rock bands, where the barrier between audience and performer were blurred.

Also, Ferguson's off-the-cuff interview style makes viewers feel like they are watching an actual conversation and not a nauseating public relations tour pas de deux between the rich and famous.

Ferguson, who has authored two critically acclaimed books, returned to stand-up comedy about five years ago and his show - which he brings to MGM Grand at Foxwoods Saturday - is a high-energy session of observational humor seasoned with unbleeped profanity.

- STEVE CHUPASKA

Craig Ferguson,

8 p.m., Saturday, MGM Grand at Foxwoods Theater; $35-$60; 1-800-200-2882