It’s an interesting phenomenon when a talk show guest is clearly not known by a good portion of the audience and the host of the show, in this case Craig Ferguson, is a fawning, doting obsessed fan, in this case Tim Gunn.  Such was the case when Gunn appeared on Ferguson’s post mid-night talkfest recently. Gunn, best known for his regular gig on Project Runway, and less known for his own show Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, seemed to be as enamored with Ferguson as Ferguson was with him. It was a mutual love affair that felt a little uncomfortable to the only passively interested viewer, such as myself.

It seems Ferguson has become so transfixed with Project Runway that he offered this warning to his audience: “If you haven’t seen Project Runway or know nothing about it, tonight’s the night for [you to watch] Conan.  Cuz I’m going to be talkin’ about it!” And he wasn’t kidding. The rest of the segment was devoted to discussing, in amazing detail, contestants, judges and even sewing techniques. You never saw two men more engaged and happy — at least on TV.  Gunn was so important to Ferguson that the host didn’t even try to make jokes. He just wanted to talk about the show…the true definition of the word FAN – ATIC!  As for Gunn’s demeanor, he was pleasant, respectful and entertaining. Nothing more. Nothing less. He did his job, and did it well.

I truly felt like I was overhearing two friends chatting over coffee or at the gym or, in this case, maybe a trendy West Hollywood Boutique. All in all it was entertaining to a point, but it’s obvious that this late, late night talk show chooses to offer some special exceptions when it comes to pleasing both host and audience.