James Corden gets emotional announcing Late Late Show exit

James Corden teared up behind his desk on Thursday night while confirming that he will leave The Late Late Show next year.

Earlier in the day, reports surfaced that Corden signed a one-year contract extension with CBS to stay on as host. The British comedian also announced it would be his last, with plans to walk away from the late-night TV show before the summer of 2023.

When Corden does leave the show, it will be after eight and a half years as host of The Late Late Show. He took over the show in 2015, replacing Craig Ferguson.

Thursday night’s show allowed Corden to speak directly to his audience. The host fought back tears as he shared the news and made promises about the year to come.

Corden echoed sentiments expressed in a statement he released to Deadline on Thursday. The comedian admitted that he never planned to make The Late Late Show the final stop of his career. According to Corden, he originally expected to only stay for five years.

The writing seemed to be on the wall for Corden’s departure. During the pandemic, he admitted he’d grown homesick for the U.K. and wished to move from California back home to be closer to his extended family.

James Corden promises to deliver the best year ever on The Late Late Show

James Corden’s last Late Late Show is still a long way off. The host has about 200 more episodes to do before he fulfills his contract with CBS and can move on to his next professional endeavor.

So what does that mean for fans of his late-night TV show? It means they should expect the “best year ever,” says the host.

Corden promised more editions of “Carpool Karaoke” and “Crosswalk Musicals” to go along with sketches, guests, laughs, and yes, even tears.

The comedian got a headstart on those tears on Thursday night, acknowledging the impact of the show on his career and what it has meant to his audience. However, expect Corden to get back to laughing for the foreseeable future as his sendoff is still ways away.

What is your reaction to James Corden’s plan to leave The Late Late Show? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.