In choosing James Corden on Monday to replace Craig Ferguson as the host of “The Late, Late Show,” CBS seems to be making a statement.
The statement: Nothing mattered more than finding a standout talent for the 12:35 a.m. show; not the fact that Mr. Corden is a virtual unknown in the United States, nor that CBS has again passed over every female comic in the business to add another man to the long roster of late-night stars. (The current tally: 12 men, zero women.)
CBS made the long-anticipated appointment official after concluding extended talks to secure Mr. Corden, an award-winning actor and comedian whose work is most widely known in his native Britain. (Mr. Corden’s prospective selection was mentioned a month ago on the Hollywood trade website, The Wrap.)
Most Americans likely never have seen nor heard of Mr. Corden, unless they made it to Broadway two seasons ago and caught his Tony Award-winning performance in “One Man, Two Guvnors,” or ran into some episodes of a BBC series he cocreated called “Gavin and Stacey,” in which he played a supporting role. He also starred in the cult hit Hulu series, “The Wrong Mans.”
But Mr. Corden, who is 36, is one of the most popular young comics in England, with credits in television, theater, and film. He is in the current film “Begin Again” with Keira Knightley and the coming movie “Into the Woods” with Meryl Streep. He has been widely praised as a host of televised events like the Brit Awards, a British pop music award show. He hosts of a comedy game show based on sports called “A League of Their Own.” Mr. Corden also sings.
In adding Mr. Corden, CBS is keeping a British Isles accent on the show. […] Mr. Corden will be introduced to American viewers while David Letterman is still the host of the network’s 11:35 p.m. show, finishing his 21-year run on the network.
Source: The New York Times.
James Corden to replace Craig Ferguson as host of ‘Late Late Show’
In a statement, CBS Entertainment chairman Nina Tassler highlighted Corden’s credentials while acknowledging his not-exactly-a-household-name status:
“He is the ultimate multi-hyphenate — a writer, creator and performer who is loved and respected in every medium he touches, including theater, comedy, music, film and television. James is already a big star in the U.K., and he’s wowed American audiences on Broadway; we’re very excited to introduce his considerable and very unique talents to our network television audience on a daily basis.”
In the statement, Corden vowed to “do my very best to make a show America will enjoy.”
Producers and the production location for “The Late Late Show with James Corden” will be determined and announced at a later date, according to CBS.
Full Article: LA Times.
CBS Names James Corden to Replace Craig Ferguson
Nina Tassler, chairman of CBS entertainment, called Corden “a rare entertainment force who combines irresistible charm, warmth and originality with a diverse range of creative instincts and performance talent.”
Full Article: ABC News
Official: James Corden Replacing Craig Ferguson as ‘Late Late Show’ Host
“I can’t describe how thrilled and honored I am to be taking over from the brilliant Craig Ferguson,” Corden said. “To be asked to host such a prestigious show on America’s #1 network is hugely exciting. I can’t wait to get started, and will do my very best to make a show America will enjoy.”
Full Article: Entertainment Weekly.
James Corden to Replace Craig Ferguson at The Late Late Show