What happened to the Late Late Show: a clear status and history overview

The straightforward answer to what happened to the Late Late Show

The Late Late Show, the long-running American late-night talk franchise, is no longer producing new episodes. The show ended in 2023 after a decades-long run on CBS that began in 1995. Its final host under the traditional format was James Corden, whose tenure ran from 2015 to 2023 and concluded with a finale taped without a studio audience. Earlier hosts included Tom Snyder, Craig Kilborn, and Craig Ferguson. The broader Late Late Show lineage also includes a separate Irish program with the same name hosted by Ryan Tubridy. Below are the key details, milestones, and distinctions needed to understand what happened to the show.

Key milestones and timeline at a glance

The Late Late Show evolved across multiple hosts, networks, and formats over more than 50 years. The following table summarizes the most relevant dates, hosts, and structural changes for quick reference.

Taped finale without audience; marked the end of the U.S. Late Late Show franchise in its traditional talk format

Period	Host	Network/platform	Notes
1995–2015	Tom Snyder → Craig Kilborn → Craig Ferguson	CBS	Shift from straight talk show to comedy-driven format under Ferguson
2015–2023	James Corden	CBS	Final host; finale aired in 2
2023	James Corden (final run)	CBS

Transition to James Corden and the Carpool Karaoke legacy

James Corden became the host in 2015 and redefined the show’s identity through musical comedy segments, most notably Carpool Karaoke. The segment originated as a short viral video for The Late Late Show’s summer series on BBC and was later developed into a recurring feature on Corden’s CBS program. Carpool Karaoke generated high-profile collaborations, live musical moments, and significant social media engagement, contributing heavily to the show’s profile in its later years.

Ownership, production, and network context

The Late Late Show with James Corden was produced by Fulwell 73 under license from CBS Studios, owned by Paramount Global. Changes in executive leadership at CBS and Paramount had implications for late-night budgets and scheduling. As streaming and alternative formats grew, traditional network late-night shows faced mounting pressure. Corden’s departure was framed as part of a broader recalibration of late-night strategy rather than an isolated cancellation.

The 2023 finale and what followed

In 2023, James Corden’s run concluded with a finale taped without a live audience due to prevailing public health and production considerations at the time. After the finale, repeats aired for a limited window, and CBS moved its late-night lineup toward other programming and potential new formats. The talk franchise as a daily, host-driven program on the traditional schedule has not continued under the Late Late Show banner.

International note: The Late Late Show in Ireland

Separately, The Late Late Show is a long-running Irish talk program hosted by Ryan Tubridy on RTÉ One. This version airs on a different schedule, follows distinct cultural and programming conventions, and remains active. When people ask what happened to the Late Late Show, it’s important to distinguish between the U.S. franchise, which ended in 2023 under Corden, and the ongoing Irish program.

Evergreen takeaways and common follow-up questions

The U.S. Late Late Show ended in 2023 after James Corden’s final season.
Carpool Karaoke was a signature segment that originated from a BBC digital project and became a global phenomenon.
The show’s production was tied to CBS Studios and Paramount Global, with decisions influenced by broader shifts in late-night television and streaming competition.
The Irish version on RTÉ continues independently and should not be confused with the U.S. iteration.

Understanding what happened to the Late Late Show requires separating the U.S. franchise from similarly named programs, noting the definitive end of the nightly talk format on CBS, and recognizing the show’s legacy through segments like Carpool Karaoke and its role in late-night television history.

Frequently asked questions

Below are concise answers to questions commonly asked about the Late Late Show’s status and history.

Question	Verified detail
When did the Late Late Show end?	The U.S. Late Late Show with James Corden ended in 2023; its finale aired that year.
Who were notable hosts in order?	Tom Snyder, Craig Kilborn, Craig Ferguson, James Corden.
What was the most famous segment?	Carpool Karaoke, a musical ride-along segment that became a global viral hit.
Is the show coming back?	No ongoing revival has been announced; the nightly franchise has not continued on CBS.
Is the Irish Late Late Show the same?	No; the Irish program is separate, hosted by Ryan Tubridy on RTÉ One, and remains active.

Distinguishing similar shows and legacy

The Late Late Show name appears in multiple territories, which can create confusion. The U.S. version on CBS concluded with James Corden’s finale in 2023, while The Late Late Show on RTÉ in Ireland continues with its own host and format. The legacy of the U.S. franchise is measured by its decades on air, cultural touchpoints like Carpool Karaoke, and its evolution into a more music- and comedy-focused program under Corden.

Status and parting context

As of now, there is no new Late Late Show series in production under that banner on CBS. Future late-night projects from the network may adopt different formats or talent, but the specific franchise has concluded. Viewers who enjoyed the show can look back on its highlights, including interviews, comedy bits, and musical performances, while recognizing that the nightly iteration has ended.