James Corden recently shared his thoughts on leaving “The Late Late Show” after nearly a decade and his desire for British TV to take more risks. Corden, who departed the CBS talk show earlier this year, made these remarks during the RTS Cambridge Convention, where he discussed his return to his home country.
Leaving the show was a tough decision for Corden, who had hosted almost 1,100 episodes over the years. He described the experience as both challenging and compelling, expressing that it felt strange to have spent eight years in the host’s chair. Reflecting on a recent visit to the place he left when he moved to America, Corden remarked, “It’s not that weird we’re back; it feels weird that we ever went.”
Corden recalled the beginning of “The Late Late Show” in 2015 when he realized that he and the producers at Fulwell 73 were relatively unknown in the United States. This realization led to the development of a plan to create something meaningful. Corden aimed to craft a show that would embrace the internet while maintaining a safe and celebratory environment. He recognized that audiences no longer consumed content strictly through traditional broadcasting schedules, and he sought to make his show available for viewing at any time.
During his time on the show, Corden celebrated CBS for giving him the opportunity to break into American television, despite having no prior U.S. TV experience. He emphasized the need for more risk-taking in British television and encouraged decision-makers to be open to the possibility of failure. Drawing on past experiences, such as the BBC’s gamble on “Gavin & Stacey” and the success of shows like “The Office,” Corden stressed the value of learning from failure, describing it as the most crucial aspect of personal and professional growth.
Regarding the future of “Gavin & Stacey,” Corden remained uncertain about the possibility of more episodes but expressed his eagerness to collaborate with co-creator Ruth Jones on new projects.
If Corden were a TV commissioner, he stated that he would prioritize supporting young talent, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities and acknowledging the honor in taking a chance on emerging voices.
Currently, Corden is focusing on his family and occasionally jotting down new ideas. He expressed a keen interest in developing half-hour narrative comedies. He also praised FX’s “The Bear” and FX boss John Landgraf, recognizing the quality and understanding of their audience.
James Corden’s career journey from breakout hits in the UK to his success in the U.S. entertainment industry has been marked by his ability to take risks and his commitment to learning from both success and failure. As he moves forward, he continues to explore new creative opportunities while appreciating the value of youthful talent in the television industry.
