The Late Late Show with James Corden

After Craig Ferguson steps away, James Corden takes the helm of a late night show. The Late Late Show with James Corden centers on conversations with famous guests and a string of running bits that aim to mix talk with playful humor. Across each episode, Corden leads chats that can drift into music, sketches, and lighthearted stunts. Reggie Watts serves as the show's bandleader and improvisational counterpoint, helping shape a relaxed, musical vibe. The format emphasizes banter, spontaneous moments, and audience-friendly gags rather than heavy drama, inviting viewers to sample late night in a warmer, collaborative style. The tone favors warmth and quick humor over controversy, inviting performers to loosen up and reveal a human side beyond red carpet personas. Viewers get a sense of energy as guests trade stories and join in playful experiments from music numbers to quick sketches.

Premiered in 2015 on CBS, the Late Late Show with James Corden is the brainchild of David Letterman and Peter Lassally. James Corden hosts with Reggie Watts as bandleader, blending celebrity chats with musical bits and a relaxed, playful energy.

Awards: The program has earned nominations from major award bodies, highlighting its hosting and musical segments. Critics have also noted how its blend of talk and performance in a late night setting stands out. Its guest variety and polished pacing are frequently noted across seasons, episodes, and airings worldwide.

The Late Late Show under Corden helped push late night into a clip driven era. Carpool Karaoke became a cultural touchstone with viral clips featuring big name stars singing along, expanding the show's reach and reshaping peak time interviews and musical moments. Its impact on guest choices is widely noted.

Reception to Corden's run has been mixed to favorable, with critics praising a warm hosting style and the emphasis on playful, human moments. The main themes include friendship between host and guests, entertainment as performance, and the value of lighthearted conversation in contrast to sharper late night talk for audiences.