Six years ago, Craig Kilborn -- the former "Late Late Show" host, original host of "The Daily Show” and “SportsCenter” anchor -- did something few people on television do: He walked away. Sure, he’s appeared in cameo roles in a handful of movies – most notably with Will Ferrell in “Old School” – and done a few triathlons. But he's largely kept a low profile. (He told friends it was his “early retirement” -- and he meant it.)
On June 28, he makes his return to the small screen on “The Kilborn File,” a half-hour Fox syndicated talk show – airing in select markets, mostly between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. -- that he says is a hybrid of what he was doing on “The Daily Show” and CBS in late night.
Kilborn spoke to TheWrap about his “early retirement,” his return and what he thinks about the late-night wars.
So, first question: Where the hell have you been?
Hanging out. I told my friends it was early retirement. I said it was the archetypal early retirement. I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish on television, in topical comedy. Late-night was getting crowded, so I left. I wanted to try other things. And I did. I had some interesting offers, but this is the one that got me the most excited.
Do you regret leaving when you did?
Not at all. People have trouble understanding it, so I don’t really talk about it that much, but I’ll talk to you about it. It was one of the happiest days of my life. I was never that comfortable being part of the Hollywood machine. I’m a down-to-earth guy, I like having one foot out at all times, and having two is very delightful.
What was your take on the Leno-Conan fiasco?
It proves my point. Martin Mull said Hollywood is like high school but with money. NBC pushed (Conan) out. Pushed both of them out. It was a very odd thing. I don’t know. I’m not sure "The Tonight Show" was the right venue (to fight over). I do think Conan will do very well on TBS.
How about Craig Ferguson? How would you rate his performance?
I think he’s tremendous. I like that he’s unique. I like all of them. I think [Jimmy] Kimmel is great. He did a test show for me when I was at CBS. And [Jimmy] Fallon is great, too.
Do you watch your old show? How often do you watch late-night TV?
I watch "Letterman" on occasion. You know, I really don’t watch a lot of TV. In my 30s I missed "Seinfeld." I watch a lot of Turner Classic Movies. I’m a huge Hitchcock fan. And sporting events.
Describe the new show.
Half-hour. Topical. Non-political.
You’ve always been non-political, even when you were on "The Daily Show."
