James Corden’s Future Plans as “The Late Late Show” Comes to a Close
British comedian and actor James Corden is planning to leave his US Talk Show, The Late Late Show next year. The anticipated departure of Corden is one of the most dramatic shifts to the late-night comedy lineup since 2014 and 2015, leaving many wavering questions about other late-night talks shows ending as well. Corden became tearful while addressing his decision on Thursday night, but intends for his final season to “go out with a bang.” The President of CBS, George Cheeks, said in regards to Corden’s departure, “We wish he could stay longer, but we are very proud he made CBS his American home and that this partnership will extend one more season on ‘The Late Late Show.”
James Corden’s late-night talk show may be the most significant role of his career, however his rise to fame came way before the “Late Late Show.” Corden began acting at the age of 17, and continued to work in shows such as The History Boys and Gavin and Stacy. Soon after he received Tony and Oliver awards for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors, Corden made his American debut as the host of the Late Late Show in 2015.“ He has also voiced leading characters of animated films like Peter Rabbit, and starred in the musical features, Into the Woods and Cats,” states Biography.com.
The Late Late Show has been the biggest success of Corden’s career thus far. In 2014, after Craig Ferguson left The Late Late Show fans were curious to see who would take his place. However, no one could have predicted that James Corden would get the job; simply because he was unheard of. “He once told me a story of how in the weeks of preparation to begin his show, he took a break one afternoon to get a sandwich, walking off the CBS lot in Los Angeles. When he returned, a guard refused to let him in, saying he had no idea who Corden was. Corden pointed to the enormous billboard atop the building announcing his upcoming show. It had his face on it, about the size of a baseball diamond. The guard looked at it, shook his head and said, "Nah. I just don't see it." says a CNN representative. But once the show started up again, fans were in awe of his talent, charisma, and lovability. Seven years later, Corden has had a successful run on The Late Late Show, to say the least.
After eight triumphant seasons, James Corden announced on Thursday, April 28, that he will be leaving The Late Late Show in 2023. He has resigned his contract until next spring and plans to make this last season “the best one yet!” “I never want this show to overstay its welcome in any way,” he said. “I always want to love making it. And I really think in a year from now that will be a good time to move on and see what else might be out there,” said Corden. While fans are sad that they will no longer see him on their TVs at 12:30 am, they are excited to see what the future will hold for Corden in the years to come.
As for what’s next for Corden, he has hinted a few ideas of what he would like to pursue after leaving The Late Late Show. Writing is a big hobby of his, and he would possibly like to get something published in the future. "There's some [stories] I'd like to tell. I'd like to see if I'm capable of it. The fact that it's terrifying is the reason to do it." Corden told Deadline. Being able to spend more time in England with his family (where they are originally from) as they dropped everything to move to the United States for The Late Late Show, is another thing Corden is looking forward to. At the Met Gala, Corden told Variety that he would like to return to Broadway at some point as well. Corden said that leaving his talk show was “the hardest decision I ever made” but is looking forward to exciting opportunities in the future.
No one can tell what the future is going to look like for Corden, but as of right now he is excited to make this last season his best. “Out of respect for all of the [staff], I want to tell them that now and say that we can really go into this last year with absolute enthusiasm and passion and love,” he said. “These shows are not built by one person. I’m very fortunate I get to work with some people whose talents and gifts just blow my mind,” Corden said in an interview with Deadline. Don’t miss Corden’s last act in the final season of the The Late Late Show, beginning in September 2023 on CBS!
