Corden's Grand Return: A Passion Project Unfolds
James Corden's Post-"Late Late Show" Journey
After concluding his successful eight-year run on CBS's "The Late Late Show," James Corden is back in the hosting spotlight. His new venture, "After Hours With James Corden" on Fox, is a World Cup after-show that allows him to merge his professional talents with his deep-seated love for football.
The Allure of the World Cup After-Show
The "After Hours" program premiered on June 11, running nightly at 11 p.m. until the final game on July 19. Corden's set is strategically located near Fox Sports' main World Cup studio, where anchors like Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimović hold court. This proximity fosters a dynamic and engaging environment for the football-focused discussions.
A Familiar Setting: The "After Hours" Clubhouse
The set of "After Hours" is designed to resemble a cozy clubhouse, adorned with an array of football memorabilia. This includes photographs of legendary players, balls, cleats, flags, pennants, and an assortment of fan scarves. A notable centerpiece is a lifelike wax figure of the iconic Pelé, on loan from Madame Tussauds in London, adding a touch of grandeur to the space.
Reassembling the Dream Team
For Corden, the opportunity to reunite with his "Late Late Show" colleagues for a defined project centered on a topic he deeply cares about was irresistible. He collaborates once again with executive producer Ben Winston and former head writer Ian Karmel, who now engages in lively banter with Corden and British football legend Rio Ferdinand at a central table.
The Joy of Live Television Production
Ben Winston expressed his delight at being back in the rhythm of producing a daily live television show, a sentiment echoed by the entire team. This reunion has brought a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie to the production, making the five-week assignment a truly rewarding experience for all involved.
A Unique Proposition: Why Corden Couldn't Say No
Corden and Winston had previously collaborated on a similar after-show for the UK's ITV during the 2010 World Cup. The offer for "After Hours" came from Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade over a year ago. While Corden had declined numerous hosting offers since his departure from "The Late Late Show," the prospect of covering a World Cup in the U.S. was uniquely appealing. He found the finite nature of the project, combined with his passion for football, to be an undeniable draw, realizing it would be foolish to turn down such a perfect alignment of circumstances.
Reflecting on the "Late Late Show" Legacy
Corden also shared his perspective on concluding "The Late Late Show" in April 2023. He expressed immense pride in the show's achievements and its lasting impact. He noted the increasing pressures faced by late-night hosts in the current political climate, citing the challenges encountered by Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. Corden sensed a significant shift in the television landscape even before the 2023 writers' strike, which began shortly after his show ended. He recalled a conversation where he felt validated in his decision to step away, acknowledging that continued production would likely have necessitated budget cuts and changes to the team dynamics, which he wished to avoid.
